Enhanced photocatalytic activity of CeO₂@α-MoO₃ heterostructure

With a unique structure and extraordinary properties, CeO₂ has attracted tremendous attention in the preparation of composites for various applications. In this study, novel CeO₂@α-MoO₃ nanocomposite with pellet like structure has been synthesized by in-situ hydrothermal method. The structure morphology, optical and thermal properties of CeO₂@α-MoO₃ nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), photoluminescence spectrometer and thermogravimetric analyses. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was carried out to understand the valance state of the electrons. The photocatalytic activity of CeO₂@α-MoO₃ nanocomposite investigated with methylene blue dye shows strong degradation efficiency under UV–visible light irradiation compared to pure CeO₂ and α-MoO₃ nanoparticles. Our results indicate that CeO₂@α-MoO₃ nanocomposite is a promising composite material for application in photocatalysis.