Enhanced multifaceted performance of Ce-ZnO nanocomposites for DB71 degradation: Gas sensing and UV photodetection

Abstract

Tunable semiconductor nanoparticles continue to be the primary inorganic catalytic materials for photochemistry. Nanostructured semiconductor materials have unveiled a novel realm of opportunities for photodetection and photocatalysis devices. Pure and rare earth Ce-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized to investigate the gas sensing abilities (especially for NO₂), UV sensitivity and photocatalytic investigations. The influence of Ce dopant on ZnO’s structural, morphological and optical properties was examined. 1 % Ce doped ZnO nanostructures revealed the maximum responsivity for NO₂ gas over CO, H₂, NH_3, and acetone gases at 100 ppm concentration and 250 °C optimised temperature. The effectiveness of the sensor was recorded against relative humidity, and it illustrated the attractive response time (11.8 s) and recovery time (56.3 s) in even 41 % humidity. Results revealed that the 1 % Ce doped ZnO-based gas sensor is recommended as a reliable NO₂ gas sensor for applications in environmental safety and monitoring. Sample with 3 % Ce doped ZnO revealed the efficient performance for UV photodetection with photo detective of 420 × 10⁸ Jones, a rise time of 0.1 s, and a decay time of 8.7 s. 3 % Ce doped ZnO nanoparticles illustrated the maximum degradation efficiency of 98.4 % for DB71 under solar irradiation. The effect of catalyst weight and pH on the degradation efficiency was investigated. The five-cycle photostability test of selective catalyst revealed its potential for gas sensing and wastewater treatment applications.