NdO-SiO nanocomposites: A simple sonochemical preparation, characterization and photocatalytic activity.

NdO-SiO nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity have been obtained through simple and rapid sonochemical route in presence of putrescine as a new basic agent, for the first time. The influence of the mole ratio of Si:Nd, basic agent and ultrasonic power have been optimized to obtain the best NdO-SiO nanocomposites on shape, size and photocatalytic activity. The produced NdO-SiO nanocomposites have been characterized utilizing XRD, EDX, TEM, FT-IR, DRS and FESEM. Application of the as-formed NdO-SiO nano and bulk structures as photocatalyst with photodegradation of methyl violet contaminant under ultraviolet illumination was compared. Results demonstrated that SiO has remarkable effect on catalytic performance of NdO photocatalyst for decomposition. By introducing of SiO to NdO, decomposition efficiency of NdO toward methyl violet contaminant under ultraviolet illumination was increased.