Green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles: characterization, parameters optimization and investigation of photocatalytic application

In the present work, cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a very simple and green method. Egg white was used as a stabilizing agent in order to size and morphology control. The nanoparticles were obtained without any toxic and hazardous chemical agent at room temperature. The effective parameters on nanoparticles synthesis such as pH, amount of stabilizing agent and calcination temperature were optimized. The size and morphology of prepared nanoparticles were investigated and determined with XRD and FESEM. In optimum conditions, nanoparticles were synthesized with about 9 nm in size. The ability of the synthesized green oxide cerium nanoparticles was investigated as photocatalyst for the degradation of two dyes of malachite green and methyl orange. The experiments were carried out in visible light and ambient temperature and effective parameters on degradation process such as dye solution, pH, photocatalyst amount and process time were optimized. The obtained results show that the dye degradation happens as well in short time.