Ce-doped ZnO/rGO nanostructures via electrospinning-assisted hydrothermal synthesis for high-performance photocatalysis

Ramos P.G.; Park J.W.; Lee D.; Yi Y.; Rodriguez J. · Materials Letters (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2025.139881

Resumen

Zinc oxide (ZnO) suffers from rapid electron–hole recombination and weak visible-light response, thereby hindering its photocatalytic performance. Here, a synergistic approach combining cerium (Ce) doping and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybridization is proposed to overcome these drawbacks. Ce-ZnO/rGO nanostructures were synthesized via an electrospinning-assisted hydrothermal route, where 5 mol% Ce doping tailored nanorod diameter, induced lattice strain, enriched oxygen vacancies, and established Ce3+/Ce4+ redox couples. Band alignment analysis revealed a reduced work function, facilitating interfacial charge transfer to rGO. The synergy of Ce-induced charge trapping and rGO-mediated electron transport enabled efficient charge separation, enhanced radical generation, and delivered superior photocatalytic activity. This study elucidates the synergistic mechanism in Ce–ZnO/rGO hybrids and establishes design principles for rare-earth–modified graphene composites for environmental remediation.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería