Response surface methodology-driven optimization of dye-sensitized Fe-doped CeO2 photocatalysts for efficient phenol degradation

• Published in: Journal of molecular structure Vol. 1341; p. 142639
• Main Authors: Semwal, Nitish, Mahar, Divya, Arya, Mahesh Chandra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 05.10.2025
• Subjects: Aqueous co-precipitation; Dye-sensitized; Fe-doped CeO₂ nanoparticles; Photocatalysis; Reusability; Dye-sensitized; Reusability; Photocatalysis; Fe-doped CeO₂ nanoparticles; Aqueous co-precipitation
• ISSN: 0022-2860
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2025.142639

•Fe-doped CeO₂ nanoparticles (FC) were synthesized via aqueous co-precipitation and sensitized with Eosin Yellow dye to form DSFC.•Dye sensitization induced characteristic changes, which enhance photocatalytic properties.•Optimal conditions for phenol degradation (140 min contact time, 100 ppm phenol concentration, pH 6) achieve 97.6 % efficiency.•DSFC demonstrates excellent reusability with stable photocatalytic performance over five cycles. This study investigates the photocatalytic potential of Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles (FC) and the enhancement achieved through dye sensitization using Eosin Yellow dye (DSFC). FC was synthesized via aqueous co-precipitation, followed by dye sensitization to obtain DSFC. UV–Vis analysis confirmed a reduction in bandgap from 2.9 to 3.2 eV (CeO2) to 2.00 eV (FC) and further to 1.93 eV (DSFC), enabling efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysis. DSFC exhibited significantly improved photocatalytic degradation of phenol, achieving 97.6 % removal within 140 min (rate constant: 0.030201 min⁻¹), compared to 76.3 % for FC. Optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) identified the ideal reaction conditions: 100 ppm phenol concentration, pH 6, 20 °C, and 100 mg catalyst dose. Stability tests confirmed DSFC’s reusability over five cycles without significant loss in performance. These findings highlight the crucial role of dye sensitization in enhancing FC’s photocatalytic efficiency, positioning DSFC as an excellent candidate for sustainable and reusable environmental remediation. [Display omitted]