Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 479, P. 147909 - 147909

Published: Dec. 7, 2023

Reverse micelle nanoreactors were successfully designed to synthesize small-sized ceria nanocrystals (3.5–4.2 nm) with a sizeable amount of substitutional iron. Undoped and doped CeO2 catalysts an iron content (0.50–10 mol %) compliant the nominal value prepared tested for first time removal ibuprofen both in dark under UV or visible light irradiation. The effective inclusion distribution lattice ascertained through in-depth physicochemical characterization. In particular, X-ray diffraction suggested formation F-type crystal structure, ruling out separate iron-containing crystalline phases. On other hand, doping Fe atoms favoured Ce3+ defects vacancy sites (VOs) maximum sample 2.5 % (Fe2.5), as evidenced by photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements Raman spectroscopy. UV–Vis showed that optical properties modified presence iron, which causes gradual decrease band gap increases. experimental evidence was further verified supported density functional theory calculations. DFT calculations also revealed surface oxygen vacancies are preferential adsorption. Nevertheless, it found conditions adsorption capacity does not monotonically increase content, revealing contrasting roles characteristics. Indeed, catalytic experiments have identified trade-off between photodegradation, identifying Fe2.5 best-performing catalyst These results discussed considering key well their different charge determined ζ potential measurements. best reuse proved its stability over 4 cycles. Finally, attempt made identify photodegradation by-products, allowing detection 1-ethenyl-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzene main by-product.

Language: Английский