The Role of Ce Decoration in the Control of Photocatalytic and Photovoltaic Behavior of TiO2-Based Materials

Abstract The search for functional materials for photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications has been a key area of research in recent years. Therefore, the present study decorates titanium dioxide with cerium using a two-step synthesis protocol that combines the sol–gel method with microwave treatment. The influence of cerium decoration (0.05, 0.1; 0.5; 1; and 2 wt % of Ce) on the physicochemical, photocatalytic, and photovoltaic properties of the synthesized materials was systematically investigated. The dispersive, morphological, structural, textural, compositional, and optical properties of synthesized TiO2/Ce materials were investigated using various physicochemical characterization techniques. Moreover, the experimental findings for the Ce-decorated TiO2 materials were complemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The experimental results of XRD analysis indicated the formation of an anatase TiO2/Ce structure. Optical and textural characterization showed that the introduction of cerium into the TiO2 system affected the bandgap energy, while higher Ce loadings (1–2 wt %) resulted in a significant increase in the BET (Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller) surface area analysis compared to pure TiO2. Cerium modification resulted in enhanced photocatalytic and photovoltaic performance.