Optical, Surface and Photocatalytic Properties of Rare Earth Elements (Er-Gd) Doped CeO2 Films

Abstract

Er/Gd co-doped CeO₂ thin films were produced by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique (USP) and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye was carried out. The effect of Er/Gd co-doping on the optical, surface and photocatalytic properties of CeO₂ films was analyzed. All prepared films showed high transmittance of over 75% in the visible region (300-900 nm). According to FESEM analysis results, morphological changes such as cracks and particle agglomeration were observed in the films. In photoluminescence measurements, blue and green emissions were found in the films. While the photocatalytic degradation percentage of the undoped CeO₂ film was 42%, when both Er and Gd were doped, the degradation percentage increased significantly and reached 75%. Photocatalytic studies revealed that Er/Gd-doped CeO₂ films exhibited better photocatalytic efficiency compared to undoped CeO₂ films. As a result, it was observed that the coexistence of Er and Gd has significant effects on the optical, surface and photocatalytic properties of CeO₂ films. Considering all the results, it is concluded that CeO₂:Er:Gd photocatalysts may have an important potential application in environmental remediation.