Adsorption of RB dye by Ce and Er Doped SnO2 Photocatalysts for Water Remediation

Abstract

This study focuses on synthesis of pure SnO₂ nanoparticles and SnO₂ nanoparticles doped with Erbium (Er) at 7% and Cerium (Ce) at 7% using sol-gel method. The aim was to evaluate their photocatalytic performance in degrading the harmful Rose bengal dye. XRD analysis confirmed that both undoped and rare earth-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles exhibited a tetragonal rutile structure. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis revealed an increase in oxygen vacancy concentration with higher dopant incorporation. Furthermore, band gap of doped SnO₂ nanoparticles was reduced compared to pure SnO₂. The reduction in the band gap was primarily attributed to creation of vacancy defects caused by dopants. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that within 60 minutes of UV light exposure, Er 7% doped SnO₂ nanoparticles achieved the degradation of 95.32% of Rose bengal dye. These findings highlight the potential of Er 7% doped SnO₂ as a highly effective catalyst for large-scale degradation of industrial waste, specifically organic dyes.