ZnO submicron spheres doped with Eu nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation for efficient photocatalytic degradation of an organic dye

Eu-doped ZnO submicron spheres-based nano-sheets with different concentrations of Eu were synthesized using pulsed laser ablation in a liquid. Powdered precursors of Eu₂O₃ and ZnO dispersed in deionized water were used to prepare doped ZnO with Eu. The structural, morphological, chemical composition, thermal behavior, and optical properties of the Eu/ZnO nanocomposites were investigated. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the Eu/ZnO samples indicated a wurtzite structure with a polycrystalline nature. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the elemental compositions and inclusion of Eu ions into the ZnO lattice. The scanning electron microscopy images exhibited a significant formation of submicrometer with different sizes of the as-grown Eu/ZnO spheres, which were regulated by the pulsed laser heating in the deionized water. The crystallinity and thermal behavior are influenced by the physical incorporation of Eu³⁺ ions into the ZnO structure. Methylene blue (MB) dye degradation was done to test the photocatalytic performance of a sample from the Eu/ZnO nanocomposites using ultraviolet illumination. The effects of photocatalysis operating variables, including time, dye concentration, and catalyst dosages were studied. Under certain conditions, total decolorization was achieved within 30 min. This study suggests using powdered precursors directly to create Eu/ZnO nanocomposites by laser ablation to improve photodegradation performance and wastewater treatment prospects.