Synergistic Effects of CeO ₂ /Ag/ZnO Nanocomposites for Environmental and Antimicrobial Applications

Abstract In this study, an eco‐friendly hydrothermal synthesis method was developed to synthesis a CeO 2 /Ag/ZnO nanocomposites. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet‐Visible (UV–vis) Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). XRD confirmed a well‐ordered structure in the CeO 2 /Ag/ZnO nanocomposites, while FTIR identified the presence of ZnO and Ag bands. SEM revealed distinct phase morphologies and TEM mapping indicated the spherical nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity was tested under visible light with Rhodamine B (Rh‐B) dye, showing effective degradation. Additionally, the nanocomposites exhibited strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in contaminated lake water. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated notable cytotoxic effects on HEK 293 cells. This novel, eco‐friendly synthesis approach presents CeO 2 /Ag/ZnO nanocomposites as promising materials for the photocatalytic breakdown of organic pollutants, antibacterial applications, and cytotoxic activities, showcasing their potential for diverse environmental and biomedical uses.