Ce-Co-Mn-Zn ferrite nano catalyst: A synergetic effect of rare earth Ce³⁺ on enhanced optical properties and photocatalysis

Photocatalysis in spinel nanoferrites offers various applications in the remediation of environmental challenges. A novel spinel Co_0.5Mn_0.25Zn_0.25Ce_xFe_2-xO₄ (CMZCF0-CMZCF5) nanoferrite photocatalysts were prepared by a combustion approach for the methylene blue (MB) dye degradation. All the CMZCF nanoferrites were characterized via XRD, FTIR, XPS, DRS, and photon driven catalysis for MB dye degradation. Williamson- Hall approach was utilized to determine the CMZCF nanoferrites crystallite size, which was found in the span of 20.88–25.07 nm. The XPS peaks reflect the chemical composition of the CMZCF nanoferrites, and their intensities qualitatively reflect their elemental concentration ratio. The band gap energies of the CMZCF nanoferrites were smaller than that of the pure ferrite devoid of Ce, hence enhancing their photocatalytic efficacy. The energy gap of the nanoferrite CMZCF5 was decreased with an enhancing ratio of 5.16% than the pristine one. The maximum percentage of MB removal was 97.01% for CMZCF5 compared with 9.80% for MB removal alone, during 60 min under solar light. Incorporating Ce cations significantly reduces the electron-hole pairs recombination and dramatically increases the material's ability to absorb visible light. The degradation efficiency of CMZCF5 across five cycles is 97.01, 96.74, 96.43, 96.21, and 95.63%, representing their stability and efficiency. The nano-photocatalytic CMZCF5 was shown to be a promising material for the treatment of wastewater contaminated by MB pollutants.