Synthesis and Characterization of Dy2O3@TiO2 Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Applications

Abstract

Industrial wastewater pollution is a crucial global issue due to the increasing need for clean water. Traditional photocatalytic methods for eliminating harmful dyes are often ineffective and are environmentally damaging. This study introduces a new, efficient photocatalyst combining Dy₂O₃ with TiO₂ using a single-step hydrothermal approach. Dy₂O₃@TiO₂ nanostructures were synthesized and characterized by using XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, BET, and UV–visible spectroscopy. Dy₂O₃ was evenly distributed on TiO₂, preventing clumping and resulting in a larger surface area with more active sites. UV irradiation (365 nm) replaced the traditional thermal energy for photocatalytic dye breakdown, leveraging the varying conductivity of the Dy₂O₃@TiO₂ nanocomposites. Incorporating Dy₂O₃ decreased band gaps, enhancing redox reactions and expanding the range of degradable contaminants. For Rhodamine B dye degradation, the Dy₂O₃@TiO₂ composite demonstrated significantly higher degradation rates than Dy₂O₃ or TiO₂ alone at reaction parameters such as neutral pH (pH 7) and catalyst concentration (2 g L^–1). The hybrid material also demonstrated improved electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) under alkaline conditions with an initial potential of 0.88 V and a Tafel slope of 73 mV dec^–1. The enhanced catalytic activity and durability are attributed to the synergistic interaction between Dy₂O₃ and TiO₂. This novel photocatalyst offers a sustainable alternative for treating industrial effluents while reducing the environmental impact.