Enhanced structural and optical properties of CeO₂:ZnO nanocomposites for photocatalysis application

This study investigates the influence of ZnO incorporation on the structural and optical characteristics of cerium oxide nanoparticles in order to enhance its properties for potential applications. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) facilitates reduced nanoparticle agglomeration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis spectroscopy were employed to study the structural and optical properties of the samples. The XRD results demonstrate pure phase development, with material densities ranging from 3.15 g cm⁻³ to 1.41 g cm⁻³. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a red shift in absorption wavelength and a decrease in band gap energy with increasing ZnO content in the CeO₂:ZnO (CZ) nanocomposite, highlighting the enhanced optical properties. A theoretical fit yielded an empirical formula for refractive index as: \(\:\eta\:=A\:{\left(ZnO\:content\right)}^{2}+B\left(ZnO\:content\right)\:+C\) . The estimated optical parameters such as refractive index, reflectivity, absorption coefficient, reflection loss, optical dielectric constant and linear dielectric susceptibility increased with ZnO content in the nanocomposite, while the transmission coefficient and metallization criterion decreased with increasing ZnO content. These effects are associated with changes in interparticle interactions, density, and microstructure of the samples. The observed changes suggest the addition of an ideal quantity of zinc. Additionally, the photocatalytic dye degradation study was conducted using CeO₂:ZnO nanocomposites under sunlight, with CZ (1:3) composites showing ~ 91% degradation for Methylene Blue dye. This work highlights the enhanced properties of CeO₂-ZnO nanocomposites and their potential in photocatalytic application. Optical study carried out in present report evaluates CZ composites for their efficient light matter interaction ability.