Biogenic synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles and its potential application as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of toxic amido black dye

Abstract This work presents the green synthesis of nanoceria (CeO2) by Phoenix dactylifera (Ajwa dates), Coriandrum sativum (Coriander), Ocimum tenuiflorum (Black tulsi), Camellia sinensis (green tea) and Hibiscus flower. The structural, morphological and optical properties of green synthesized nanoceria were investigated by various analytical techniques such as XRD, FTIR, TEM, UV–visible, XPS and GC–MS. The formation of single phase CeO2 NPs were confirmed by structural analysis and no impurity signal corresponding to metallic Ce was detected. The XPS measurements established that Ce ion has oxidation state + 4. The photocatalytic activity of various green synthesized nanoceria for the photodegradation of amido black dye was investigated and optimum degradation was obtained for Phoenix dactylifera synthesized nanoceria. Dye adsorption on the photocatalyst and the photogenerated charge carriers (e- and h+) attributed to the photodegradation. Moreover trapping experiment was carried out to confirm the prime reactive species accountable for photodegradation. Recycling experiment was performed in order to determine the efficiency of the photocatalyst.