Enhanced photocatalytic and supercapacitor performance of CeO2 nano foam integrated MWCNT and rGO nanocomposites

In this study, Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) with foam like morphology were prepared using the Moringa Oleifera seed extract-assisted green synthesis method. The prepared CeO2 NPs were integrated respectively with reduced graphene oxide (CeO2/rGO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CeO2/MWCNT) via a simple one-pot reflex method. The structural and morphological features and elemental characteristics, including the physico-chemical and thermal characteristics of the samples, were assessed. The photocatalytic degradation ability of the catalyst was tested against Alizarin Red (AR) and Safranin (SF) dyes. Under sunlight, degradation efficiencies of 92.62 %, 95.46 %, and 99.62 % were achieved against Safranin dye by CeO2, CeO2/MWCNT, and CeO2/rGO, respectively. The XRD analysis shows the structural phase stability of the nanocatalyst even after five cycles. The supercapacitor characteristics of all anode electrode samples were assessed. Moreover, the specific capacitance values of 370, 413, and 554 Fg-1 were measured using cyclic voltammetry at a scan rate of 5 mV/s for CeO2, CeO2/MWCNT, and CeO2/rGO, respectively. After undergoing 3000 charge-discharge cycles, the hybrid CeO2/rGO nanocomposite revealed admirable cycling stability with an 8.6 % decrease in its specific capacitance. According to the results, the green-mediated CeO2/rGO heterojunction nano semiconducting materials are promising candidates for twin applications in photocatalysis and supercapacitors.