Interfacial charge synergy in CdS/CeO2 nanorods for advanced photodegradation of carbamazepine

This study explores potential and novel utilization of CeO 2 , CdS, and CdS/CeO 2 composite nanorods in addressing the challenge of efficient photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine, a pharmaceutical pollutant. CeO 2 nanorods were synthesized hydrothermally, while CdS and CdS/CeO 2 composite nanorods were synthesized via solvothermal synthesis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the creation of a heterojunction structure in the composite nanorods, highlighting advancements in surface engineering to enhance photocatalytic performance. The integration of CdS on CeO 2 nanorods, verified by FESEM & TEM, resulted in nanorods approximately 18 nm in size with optimized surface properties for efficient pollutant degradation. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) imaging and mapping established the compositional purity of the synthesized nanorods. UV–Vis–DR spectra combined with Tauc plot analysis revealed enhanced light absorption, ascribed to the improved surface interface between CdS and CeO 2 , compared to pure CeO 2 . Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) further substantiated the purity and structural integrity of the composites. The CdS/CeO 2 composite achieved a remarkable 84% carbamazepine degradation efficiency, far surpassing the 3.8% efficiency of CeO 2 alone, underscoring the critical role of surface modifications in improving photocatalytic activity. When no photocatalyst was present, minimal degradation was observed, reinforcing the essential contribution of the CdS/CeO 2 composite. This study introduces a significant advancement in surface science, proposing a highly efficient CdS/CeO 2 composite nanorod system for environmental remediation and removing pharmaceutical pollutants.