Synthesis and Characterization of Dy<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>@TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Applications
S. Balachandran, K. Jeeva Jothi, Mohamedazeem M. Mohideen, R. Karthikeyan, A. Santhana Krishna Kumar, Ganeshraja Ayyakannu Sundaram, K. Thirumalai, Munirah D. Albaqami, Saikh Mohammad, M. Swaminathan
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Industrial wastewater pollution is a crucial global issue due to the increasing need for clean water. Traditional photocatalytic methods for eliminating harmful dyes are often ineffective and are environmentally damaging. This study introduces a new, efficient photocatalyst combining Dy 2 O 3 with TiO 2 using a single-step hydrothermal approach. Dy 2 O 3 @TiO 2 nanostructures were synthesized and characterized by using XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, BET, and UV–visible spectroscopy. Dy 2 O 3 was evenly distributed on TiO 2, preventing clumping and resulting in a larger surface area with more active sites. UV irradiation (365 nm) replaced the traditional thermal energy for photocatalytic dye breakdown, leveraging the varying conductivity of the Dy 2 O 3 @TiO 2 nanocomposites. Incorporating Dy 2 O 3 decreased band gaps, enhancing redox reactions and expanding the range of degradable contaminants. For Rhodamine B dye degradation, the Dy 2 O 3 @TiO 2 composite demonstrated significantly higher degradation rates than Dy 2 O 3 or TiO 2 alone at reaction parameters such as neutral pH (pH 7) and catalyst concentration (2 g L –1 ). The hybrid material also demonstrated improved electrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) under alkaline conditions with an initial potential of 0.88 V and a Tafel slope of 73 mV dec –1 . The enhanced catalytic activity and durability are attributed to the synergistic interaction between Dy 2 O 3 and TiO 2 . This novel photocatalyst offers a sustainable alternative for treating industrial effluents while reducing the environmental impact.