Synthesis\nand Characterization of Dy₂O₃@TiO₂ Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic\nand Electrocatalytic Applications

Abstract

Industrial wastewater pollution is a crucial global issue\ndue to\nthe increasing need for clean water. Traditional photocatalytic methods\nfor eliminating harmful dyes are often ineffective and are environmentally\ndamaging. This study introduces a new, efficient photocatalyst combining\nDy₂O₃ with TiO₂ using a single-step\nhydrothermal approach. Dy₂O₃@TiO₂ nanostructures were synthesized and characterized by using XRD,\nSEM, EDS, TEM, BET, and UV–visible spectroscopy. Dy₂O₃ was evenly distributed on TiO₂, preventing\nclumping and resulting in a larger surface area with more active sites.\nUV irradiation (365 nm) replaced the traditional thermal energy for\nphotocatalytic dye breakdown, leveraging the varying conductivity\nof the Dy₂O₃@TiO₂ nanocomposites.\nIncorporating Dy₂O₃ decreased band gaps, enhancing\nredox reactions and expanding the range of degradable contaminants.\nFor Rhodamine B dye degradation, the Dy₂O₃@TiO₂ composite demonstrated significantly higher degradation rates\nthan Dy₂O₃ or TiO₂ alone at reaction\nparameters such as neutral pH (pH 7) and catalyst concentration (2\ng L^–1). The hybrid material also demonstrated improved\nelectrocatalytic activity in oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) under\nalkaline conditions with an initial potential of 0.88 V and a Tafel\nslope of 73 mV dec^–1. The enhanced catalytic activity\nand durability are attributed to the synergistic interaction between\nDy₂O₃ and TiO₂. This novel photocatalyst\noffers a sustainable alternative for treating industrial effluents\nwhile reducing the environmental impact.