Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activity of CeBiO3 and FeBiO3 Nanoparticles Prepared via the Sol-Gel Process

Abstract

This study investigated the photocatalytic potential of perovskite materials, cerium(III) bismuthate (CeBiO₃) and iron(III) bismuthate (FeBiO₃), for organic dye degradation under visible LED light illumination. The materials were synthesized via the sol-gel method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and point of zero charge (PZC) analysis. A rhombohedral structure for FeBiO₃ and a tetragonal structure for CeBiO₃ with band gaps of 2.18 eV and 2.17 eV, respectively were revealed by structural characterization. The kinetic evolution of Methylene Blue (MB) degradation in an aqueous medium was examined. Both catalysts showed remarkable degradation efficiency, and CeBiO₃ demonstrated superior performance. Optimal degradation conditions were achieved at pH 10, with a catalyst concentration of 0.15 g/L, an initial Methylene Blue concentration of 10 mg/L, and a reaction time of 4 hours. Overall, this study highlights the potential of perovskite materials CeBiO₃ and FeBiO₃ to efficiently degrade organic dyes under visible light and contributes to the development of sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.