Abstract

In the present study, the nanocatalysts CeO2, V2O5, CuO, CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO were synthesized by thermal decomposition method. This method is simple, fast and cost effective compared with other preparation methods. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by different techniques. The XRD and XPS results confirmed the structure and the oxidization states of the nanocomposite materials. DRS results suggested that the prepared CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO nanocomposites can generate more electrons and holes under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activities of prepared catalysts were evaluated using the degradation of aqueous methylene blue solution as a model compound under visible light irradiation. In addition, the nanocomposite (CeO2/V2O5 and CeO2/CuO) materials were employed to degrade the textile effluent under visible light condition. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.