Gold-selenide quantum dots supported onto cesium ferrite nanocomposites for the efficient degradation of rhodamine B

In this work, different weight percentage of gold-selenide quantum dots (AuSe QDs) (1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.0 wt.%) were successfully synthesized and decorated on cesium ferrite nanocomposite (Cs(2)Fe(2)O(4) NC). The as-prepared pure AuSe QDs, pure Cs(2)Fe(2)O(4) NC, and x wt.% AuSe QDs/Cs(2)Fe(2)O(4) NC photocatalysts were investigated using different characterization techniques such as nitrogen adsorption desorption isotherms (BET), X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The results show that AuSe QDs were uniformly distributed on Cs(2)Fe(2)O(4)NCs surface as spherical dots with an average size of 1.0–8.0 nm. While the Cs(2)Fe(2)O(4) NCs possess an average size between 10 to 35 nm. The photocatalytic performance of x wt. % AuSe QDs/Cs(2)Fe(2)O(4)NCs were measured through the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye as a model water pollutant, under a150 W-Mercury lamp with a filter (JB400) as a simulated source of visible light. The results revealed that the % degradation of RhB increased from 50.0 %, 59.1 %, 76.4 %, and to 99.15 % within 150 min for the pure Cs(2)Fe(2)O(4), 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 wt.% AuSe QDs/Cs(2)Fe(2)O(4) NC photocatalysts, respectively. The 5.0 wt.% AuSe/Cs(2)Fe(2)O(4) NC sample showed highest photocatalytic activity. The effect of recycling also studied. High photocatalytic performance and superior stability confirmed that the prepared nanocomposites act as good photocatalysts.