Functional properties of cerium stannate pyrochlore (Ce2Sn2O7) toward photocatalytic and electrochemical systems

Pyrochlore structure, Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 ( CSO ), with an ideal cubic structure, was successfully synthesised by two methods, the hydrothermal and microwave methods. Owing to their strong catalytic activity, oxygen defects, and unique size, pyrochlore-based oxides have attracted considerable attention in innumerable fields. Cerium stannate (Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 ) shows high efficiency in energy conversion and durability in performance, which makes it a promising candidate in the field of energy production. The crystal structure, morphology and sizes have been characterised by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Raman spectrum, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The absorbance at 552 nm in the UV–Visible spectra of Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 ( CSO ) indicates the photocatalytic activity of the material and shows that the sample is optically active in the given configuration. The electrical measurements of the material over a range of temperatures show the effective ionic conductivity in the order of 10 –7 S/cm. The results suggested that Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 has promising potential for electrochemical applications. The photocatalytic activity of the Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 solid solution was investigated under visible light irradiation in an ambient environment. The obtained Ce 2 Sn 2 O 7 material possesses increased photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rh B as well as various organic pollutants. These findings establish CSO as a high-performance, sturdy, and scalable photocatalyst, offering a promising resolution for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment and sustainable hydrogen production with minimal ecological risks.