Designing synthesis and photocatalytic activities of Gd/ZrO2 nanocomposite

Abstract Zirconia modified by gadolinium (Gd/ZrO 2 ) nanocomposite has been successfully prepared by NaCl-assisted method. The effects of gadolinium introduction on phase, composition, optical properties, and photocatalytic activities were investigated in detail. Results reveal that the introduction of gadolinium could enlarge the lattice space, create structural defects, and restrict the product growth. At the same time, the generated structural defects further influence the optical properties of Gd/ZrO 2 nanocomposite with single phase. Photocatalytic experiments indicate that Gd 0.2 Zr 0.8 O 2− δ nanocrystals have better visible-light-responsive photocatalytic activities which results from the special structural defect, smaller size (30–55 nm), and larger specific surface area (~50.60 m 2 /g). Hence, Gd 0.2 Zr 0.8 O 2− δ nanocrystals are promising visible-light-responsive photocatalysts with potential prospects in wastewater treatment and environmental protection. Also, the present NaCl-assisted method might be generalized to synthesize other nanocomposite with more complicated structures. Graphical Abstract