A highly effective PANI@(Ce-Er) dual doped ZnO (PCEZ) nanocomposite as UV-light driven photocatalyst for degradation of MB dye: Synthesis and characterization

Abstract Utilizing ecologically friendly methods to address wastewater concerns is paramount. In this study, we developed novel PANI@(Ce-Er) dual-doped ZnO (PCEZ) nanocomposites using a wet impregnation approach assisted by ultrasound. These composites were thoroughly characterized using XRD, FESEM, EDX, UV-DRS, PL, and Impedance Analyzer techniques to assess their structural, optical, and electrical properties. Structural characterization was conducted to analyze the crystalline behavior and chemical composition of the synthesized samples. UV-DRS and PL spectroscopy were utilized to analyze their optical properties. Compared to PANI alone, the PCEZ heterojunction demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic stability and efficiency. Notably, in neutral media, the PCEZ heterojunction exhibited a significant photodegradation efficiency against methylene blue (MB), achieving approximately to 90.13% degradation. Morphology analysis of the synthesized samples and elemental composition was effectively performed using SEM images and EDX data. The UV-DRS investigation aimed to confirm the active contacts of dopant metals with polyaniline backbone chains and assess the energy band gap, which defines the absorption behavior of the photocatalyst. Kinetic studies of methylene blue degradation were characterized using the Pseudo First-Order relation, with the best adjusted R 2 value of 0.9947 observed for 50% w/w (PANI@(Ce-Er)-ZnO). The produced PANI@(Ce-Er) dual-doped ZnO nanocomposites show promise as effective photocatalyst for the elimination of methylene blue in aqueous environments.