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<p>In this work, Cu₆Ce₂O₉ bimetallic oxide nanoparticles were synthesized through a sol–gel method and examined to understand their structure, photocatalytic properties, and possible role in improving the performance of cement-based materials. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the formation of a crystalline copper–cerium oxide phase, with an average crystallite size of about 28 ± 2&#xa0;nm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed clusters of irregularly shaped nanoparticles and average particle size of 31.9&#xa0;nm. The presence of Cu–O and Ce–O bonds within the mixed oxide structure was further verified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.</p><p>To evaluate their effect on concrete, the synthesized nanoparticles were incorporated into ordinary Portland cement at replacement levels of 1%, 2%, and 5%. The compressive strength of the concrete showed a gradual improvement as the nanoparticle content increased. Among the tested mixtures, the sample containing 5% Cu₆Ce₂O₉ exhibited the highest strength, reaching 40.9&#xa0;MPa after seven days of curing. This improvement is likely related to the nanoscale particles filling micro-voids in the cement matrix and promoting a denser internal structure.</p><p>Apart from improving concrete properties, the synthesized material was also tested for photocatalytic dye degradation. Four organic dyes-Congo Red, Brilliant Green, Methyl Orange, and Methyl Red-were selected as model pollutants. Under sunlight, Cu₆Ce₂O₉ showed noticeable photocatalytic activity, with Congo Red degrading most efficiently. Approximately 80% of this dye was removed within 50&#xa0;min of irradiation. Kinetic analysis suggested that the degradation followed pseudo-first-order behavior. In addition, the photocatalyst retained its activity during repeated use, indicating reasonable stability.</p><p>These findings suggest that Cu₆Ce₂O₉ nanoparticles can function in two useful ways: they help strengthen cement-based materials and also act as a photocatalyst capable of breaking down dye pollutants in water. Such multifunctional behavior makes this material an interesting candidate for future applications that combine infrastructure development with environmental cleanup.</p>

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Multifunctional Cu₆Ce₂O₉ Bimetallic Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Concrete Strength Enhancement, and Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月24日

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  • Madhuri Goswami,
  • Deepti Pal,
  • Mithun Kumar Ghosh

摘要

In this work, Cu₆Ce₂O₉ bimetallic oxide nanoparticles were synthesized through a sol–gel method and examined to understand their structure, photocatalytic properties, and possible role in improving the performance of cement-based materials. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the formation of a crystalline copper–cerium oxide phase, with an average crystallite size of about 28 ± 2 nm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed clusters of irregularly shaped nanoparticles and average particle size of 31.9 nm. The presence of Cu–O and Ce–O bonds within the mixed oxide structure was further verified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

To evaluate their effect on concrete, the synthesized nanoparticles were incorporated into ordinary Portland cement at replacement levels of 1%, 2%, and 5%. The compressive strength of the concrete showed a gradual improvement as the nanoparticle content increased. Among the tested mixtures, the sample containing 5% Cu₆Ce₂O₉ exhibited the highest strength, reaching 40.9 MPa after seven days of curing. This improvement is likely related to the nanoscale particles filling micro-voids in the cement matrix and promoting a denser internal structure.

Apart from improving concrete properties, the synthesized material was also tested for photocatalytic dye degradation. Four organic dyes-Congo Red, Brilliant Green, Methyl Orange, and Methyl Red-were selected as model pollutants. Under sunlight, Cu₆Ce₂O₉ showed noticeable photocatalytic activity, with Congo Red degrading most efficiently. Approximately 80% of this dye was removed within 50 min of irradiation. Kinetic analysis suggested that the degradation followed pseudo-first-order behavior. In addition, the photocatalyst retained its activity during repeated use, indicating reasonable stability.

These findings suggest that Cu₆Ce₂O₉ nanoparticles can function in two useful ways: they help strengthen cement-based materials and also act as a photocatalyst capable of breaking down dye pollutants in water. Such multifunctional behavior makes this material an interesting candidate for future applications that combine infrastructure development with environmental cleanup.