Synergistic Photocatalytic Effect of Green Synthesized Silver‐Doped Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Against Cationic Dyes

ABSTRACT Cerium oxide nanoparticles are found to be a potential candidate for photocatalytic decolorization of cationic dyes based on their peculiar characteristics like switchable redox reactivity, high surface area, and high catalytic activity. Here, we have explored the efficiency of silver‐doped CeO 2 nanoparticles (Ag‐doped CeO 2 NPs) prepared using Syzygium cumini leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent for photocatalytic degradation of cationic dyes. The green synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using XRD, FESEM, PL, UV–Vis, and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD pattern confirmed the cubic phase of Ag‐doped CeO 2 NPs with average crystallite size ranges between 8 and 31 nm, while FESEM images reported the grain size of 50–60 nm. The characterization methods confirmed the synthesis of Ag‐doped CeO 2 NPs. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles can be due to their distinct optical and structural features for enhanced cationic dye degradation. The 5% Ag‐doped CeO 2 NPs in the present work showed the highest efficiency toward the degradation of methylene blue (99%) and brilliant green (95%) dyes under solar light. The work highlights the prospects of Ag‐doped CeO 2 NPs synthesized through greener pathways as proficient photocatalysts for remediation processes.