Green synthesis of CeO2–TiO2 compound using Cleome chelidonii leaf extract for excellent photocatalytic activity

A facile novel green synthesis of cerium oxide doped titanium dioxide (CeO2–TiO2) nanocompound was prepared using Cleome chelidonii leaf extract as the reducing agent and was investigated for the photodegradation of dyes under UV light irradiation. The synthesized compounds are characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV and FL spectroscopy, XPS, FESEM and TEM. The results signify that the prepared materials show superior results compared to bare TiO2 and CeO2 particles due to alternation in the bandgap, surface area adsorption and enhanced photo-responsive were played a vital role in performing the degradation activity. Incorporation of CeO2 into TiO2 controls the higher recombination of electron–hole and acting as electron supporter for creating more cation/anion and additionally, the higher amount of oxygen content in CeO2 leads an advantage in degradation of dyes which shields the valency bands which reduce the recombination.