Sol-gel synthesis and characterization of Co3O4/CeO2 nanocomposites and its application for photocatalytic discoloration of organic dye from aqueous solutions.

Herein, Co3O4/CeO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by the modified Pechini method. Citric, maleic, succinic, and trimsic acids were used as a stabilizer, and the variation affected the morphology and size of the synthesized nanocomposites. Subsequently, the formation of Co3O4/CeO2 nanocomposites was confirmed by various analyses. Furthermore, the particles were considered for size and morphology by SEM and HRTEM analyses, and the sample that used trimsic acid as the stabilizer was designated as the goal sample to continue the route. The optimum sample was used to investigate the photocatalytic properties of the synthesized nanocomposite. The UV-light photocatalyst test was performed in neutral, alkaline, and acidic states against two aqueous solutions containing color contamination of methylene blue and erythrosine B dyes. The results showed decolorization at 85% for methylene blue and 90% for erythrosine B over 120 min test time.