Unravelling the synergy of Ce dopant and surface oxygen vacancies confined in FeTiO3 perovskite for peroxymonosulfate activated degradation of wide range of pollutants

In this study, ferrite titanate (FeTiO3) as a low-cost, eco-friendly and a new type of perovskite catalyst was utilized in sulfate-based advanced oxidation process. Structural and chemical modulation strategy was implemented by doping cerium (Ce) atoms via hydrothermal technique. The morphological, optical and structural properties of the catalysts were investigated with the aid of XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, XPS, UV–vis DRS and PL analyses. XPS analysis confirmed that Ce existed as Ce(III) and Ce(IV) oxidation states, indicating the presence of Ce(III)/Ce(IV) redox couple, which assisted the oxidative degradation process. The introduction of Ce into the FeTiO3 structure also resulted in higher content of oxygen vacancies, regulated the redox cycle, and reduced the energy barrier for Fenton activation. The photocatalytic performances of Ce-doped FeTiO3 perovskites for peroxymonosulfate activation were investigated towards removal of sunset yellow azo dye which is one of the most used synthetic food dyes. The effects of Ce concentrations in FeTiO3, initial solution pH, water media, scavengers and re-usability were studied systematically. Moreover, the photodegradation activities of the catalyst with respect to different dye and antibiotic components were also investigated. The catalyst was proven to be stable after eight consecutive runs. The findings showed that the incorporation of Ce as a peroxymonosulfate activator greatly facilitated the degradation of water pollutants.