Synergistic photocatalysis of a hydrochar/CeO 2 composite for dye degradation under visible light

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international
• Main Authors: Sánchez-Silva, Jonathan Michel, Ojeda-Galván, Hiram Joazet, Villabona-Leal, Edgar Giovanny, Labrada-Delgado, Gladis Judith, Aguilar-Maruri, Saul Alejandro, Fuentes-Ramírez, Rosalba, González-Ortega, Omar, López-Ramón, María Victoria, Ocampo-Pérez, Raúl
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 06.02.2024
• Subjects: Hydrothermal carbonization; Hydrochar composite; Methylene blue photodegradation; CeO2; Green synthesis; Visible light photocatalysis
• ISSN: 1614-7499

The synthesis and characterization of a hydrochar/CeO composite along with its evaluation in methylene blue degradation under visible light are presented. The methodology consisted of a single-pass hydrothermal method, having as synthesis conditions 9 h of reaction time, 210 °C, autogenous pressure, and a biomass/CeO ratio of 100:1. The composite characterization revealed good dispersion of CeO in the carbonaceous matrix and significant synergy in the composite activation using visible irradiation. The photodegradation experiments showed an efficiency of 98% for white LED light, 91% for UV light, 96% for solar irradiation, and 85% for blue LED light using as conditions pH 7.0, 50 mg of composite, 50 mL of solution, 10 mg/L of dye initial concentration, and 120 min of contact time. Meanwhile, the reusability experiments evidenced a reuse capacity of up to five times with a constant photodegradation efficiency (99%); moreover, it was determined that the presence of electrolytes at pH below 7.0 during degradation negatively affected methylene blue degradation. Finally, the results of this work demonstrate that the hydrochar/CeO composite can be synthesized by a green method and used for the efficient treatment of water contaminated with methylene blue.