Preparation, structure and photocatalytic activity of nanocomposites based on cerium oxide

Mesoporous CeO2 and MgO powders and nanocomposites based on them were synthesized by the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, and the mutual influence of magnesium oxide and cerium oxide on the crystal structure, microstructure, and morphology of the obtained materials was studied. It has been established that CeO2 is formed on the surface of magnesium oxide, while the developed surface of the material is preserved. It has been established, that the sizes of CeO2 crystallites in the composition of nanocomposites change insignificantly and range from 6.5 to 7.4 nm, while the values of the specific surface area and average pore diameter of the studied samples depend on the composition and vary in the ranges of 19–41 m2/g and 11.9‒19 nm, respectively. The highest efficiency of photodegradation of dyes of acid telon blue and direct bright blue is observed for samples of MgO–CeO2 (30 mol.%) and MgO–CeO2 (50 mol.%) ‒ 98.5 and 92.5 %, respectively, taking into account the effect of direct photolytic decomposition under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.