Ce-Doping-Induced Burstein-Moss Shift in Biogenically Synthesized ZnO for Multifunctional Gas Sensing, Photocatalytic, and Antimicrobial Applications

Key Points

• This research aims to explore the impact of cerium doping on the properties of zinc oxide for various environmental applications.
• Synthesis of pristine and cerium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using biogenic processes.
• Characterization of materials through various techniques to assess their properties and effectiveness in sensing and antimicrobial applications.
• Application testing for gas sensing, photocatalytic degradation, and antimicrobial efficacy.
• Ce-doped ZnO displayed a significant Burstein-Moss shift, enhancing its gas sensing capabilities compared to pristine ZnO.
• In antimicrobial tests, cerium doping led to a measurable reduction in bacterial growth rates, outperforming non-doped ZnO.
• Photocatalytic activity was increased, contributing to enhanced degradation of harmful pollutants.