Preparation of Ce3+ doped ZnO nanoparticles via a wet chemical method and analysis of their local structure

Abstract

4f rare earth element-doped ZnO nanoparticles have attracted attention due to their unique electronic configuration. Therefore, we aimed to synthesize Ce-doped ZnO nanoparticles encapsulated in amorphous SiO₂ using our laboratory's unique wet mixing method. This wet mixing method is extremely simple, low-cost, and low-risk, allowing for the fabrication of samples encapsulated in amorphous SiO₂. By applying reduction conditions, we successfully created Ce³⁺-doped samples, as confirmed by XAFS measurements. The doping of Ce led to significant changes in semiconductor and magnetic properties. Furthermore, upon confirming the photocatalytic properties, a remarkable improvement in the decomposition rate was observed.