Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) by Cerium Doped Titanium Dioxide (Ce/TiO2) Under Uv-Visible Light Irradiation

Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of MB was applied using Ce-doped TiO₂ under UV-visible light irradiation. The aim of this investigation is to improve the light absorption ability of Ce-doped TiO₂ under UV-visible light irradiation to degradation of MB. The TiO₂ catalyst was provided by the sol-gel method and addition doping of Ce with 1wt%, 2wt%, 3wt%, 4wt%, and 5wt% concentration. The characterization of photocatalyst has been observed through XRD, UV-vis spectroscopy, PL, and nitrogen absorption. Measurement of UV-Visible absorption showed that increased in dopant concentration in the range 1wt%–5wt% decreased the optical band gap of Ce-doped TiO₂. Photocatalyst with doping 3wt% concentration of Ce showed the best photocatalytic activity. The effect of addition Ce successfully to prevent the growth of anatase phase TiO₂, enhanced of surface area and enhanced the optical properties of TiO₂. The result was effective to prevent the electron-hole recombination and increase the ability of photocatalytic activity in degrade of MB.