Synthesis of Cerium Molybdate Hierarchical Architectures and Their Novel Photocatalytic and Adsorption Performances

Abstract

Cerium molybdate (Ce–Mo) hierarchical architectures (such as the flowerlike, microspheric, and bundlelike structure) are successfully synthesized via a facile route with the assistance of amino acid (lysine, Lys). The influences of reaction parameters on the crystal structure and morphology of Ce–Mo hierarchical architectures are investigated. Samples obtained are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, the photocatalytic and adsorption performances of samples obtained are investigated using different dyes, such as Cationic red X-GTL, Congo red, Methylene blue, Acid blue 80, and Methyl orange, as the model. The results show that Ce–Mo hierarchical architectures exhibit remarkably high efficiency to photocatalytically decompose Congo red under visible light irradiation, and significant adsorption performance on Cationic red X-GTL and Methylene blue. Contrarily, neither photocatalytic nor adsorption performance was observed on Methyl orange and Acid blue 80. Therefore, the as-synthesized Ce–Mo hierarchical architectures display promising potential for the removal of organic contaminants for environmental protection