Structure-Property Relationship in Ce-Doped ZnO for Photocatalytic Applications under UV Light Mediniah Putri Simatupang(a), Ari Sulistyo Rini(a*), Erwin(a), Lazuardi Umar(a), Tengku Emrinaldi(a), and Erman Taer(a)
a) Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Environmental Science, University of Riau, Pekanbaru, 28192, Riau, Indonesia
*ari.sulistyo[at]lecturer.unri.ac.id
Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO)-based photocatalysts are promising materials for environmental remediation. However, their efficiency can be further enhanced through structural modification. In this study, nanostructured ZnO was engineered via cerium (Ce) doping at concentrations of 0%, 1%, and 2% using a green, microwave-assisted biosynthesis method with Pandanus amaryllifolius leaf extract. Characterization results confirmed that Ce doping successfully narrowed the band gap, reduced crystallite size, and produced uniform nanoflower-like morphologies. Among the samples, 1% Ce-doped ZnO exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving a degradation efficiency of 98.46% for methyl orange under UV light irradiation. This improvement is attributed to the electron-trapping ability of Ce ions, which suppresses electron-hole recombination and enhances the generation of reactive oxygen species. These findings suggest that Ce-doped ZnO synthesized through a sustainable route offers a highly efficient photocatalyst for UV-driven wastewater treatment.
