Enhanced photocatalytic property of Cu doped Ce₂Zr₂O₇ toward photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light

Widespread ecosystem degradation from noxious substances like industrial waste, toxic dyes, pesticides, and herbicides poses serious environmental risks. For remediation of these hazardous problems, present study introduces an innovative Cu-doped Ce₂Zr₂O₇ nano-photocatalyst, fabricated via a simple, eco-friendly hydrothermal method, designed to degrade toxic textile dye methylene blue. Harnessing Cu doping for pyrochlore Ce₂Zr₂O₇, structure engineering carried out through a hydrothermal synthesis method to achieve superior photocatalytic performance, addressing limitations of rapid charge carrier recombination in existing photocatalysts. Photoluminescence analysis showed that doped pyrochlore slows charge carrier recombination, boosting dye degradation efficiency. UV–Visible analysis demonstrated an impressive 96 % degradation of methylene blue by Cu-doped Ce₂Zr₂O₇ within 50 min, far exceeding the performance of pristine materials. Trapping experiments clarified the charge transfer mechanism, deepening our understanding of the photocatalytic process. These findings highlight the potential for developing innovative, highly efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation, offering sustainable solutions to combat pollution. This study not only addresses the limitations of existing photocatalysts but also opens new avenues for enhancing photocatalytic performance through strategic material design.