Ce doped PbMoO4 nanoparticles: An efficient visible light triggered photocatalyst with enhanced structural, optical and photocatalytic properties

In this present work, PbMoO4 and Cerium (Ce) doped PbMoO4 nanoparticles were prepared via a facile co-precipitation process. Multivalent Ce-PbMoO4 nanoparticles were investigated for structural, optical and photocatalytic activities. XRD results confirmed the tetragonal structure of pure and Ce-PbMoO4 nanoparticles. The crystallinity was further validated by SAED and XRD patterns. SEM analysis depicted spherical like morphology for the Ce (0.050 M) doped PbMoO4 nanoparticles. DRS spectra revealed substantial tuning of band gap from 3.12 to 2.33 eV with Ce doping owing to crystal defects. The photocatalytic capabilities of Ce doped PbMoO4 nanoparticles were assessed for the degradation of Brilliant Blue (BB) and Brilliant Green (BG) dyes under visible light irradiation of 120 min. This study also highlights the significance of oxygen vacancy-based surface defects in enhancing charge carrier trapping. The photodegradation was additionally confirmed by scavenger study and COD analysis. Ce (0.050 M) doped PbMoO4 nanoparticles demonstrated 84% removal of BB and 91% removal of BG dyes. The reusing catalytic capability of the Ce (0.05 M) doped PbMoO4 product was also assessed with a slight diminish in the removal efficiency even after the five successive runs.