Evaluation of MnCeOx/TiO2 Photocatalyst Performance for Visible-Light-Induced Decolorization of Organic Dyes

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Kosar University of Bojnord, P.O. Code: 9453155168, Bojnord, Iran

10.30509/jcst.2026.167706.1275

Abstract

In this study, the MnCeOx/TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized, and its performance in the visible-light photocatalytic decolorization of four organic dyes, including methylene blue (MB), methyl red (MR), rhodamine B (RhB), and malachite green (MG), was investigated. The highest decolorization efficiency was observed for MB (≈92.4 %), while the efficiencies for MG, RhB, and MR were ≈65.5, 24.8, and 19.3 %, respectively. Using response surface methodology (RSM) with a second-order model, the effects of pH, irradiation time, dye concentration, and catalyst dosage on decolorization were evaluated, and the optimal conditions were determined as pH ≈ 3, irradiation time ≈ 35 min, dye concentration ≈ 7 ppm, and catalyst mass ≈ 0.3 g. Mechanistic analysis indicated that the generation of reactive oxygen species through electron–hole separation and Mn/Ce electron traps is the main factor in chromophore degradation. Kinetic studies showed that MB decolorization follows a pseudo-first-order model with k ≈ 0.0471 min-1 and a half-life of ≈14.7 min. The results demonstrate high photocatalytic activity, stability, and reusability of this photocatalyst.

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References

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Journal of Color Science and Technology
Volume 19, Issue 3 - Serial Number 73
December 2025
Pages 297-317

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