Multifunctional and smart Er2O3–ZnO nanocomposites for electronic ceramic varistors and visible light degradation of wastewater treatment

In this proposed study, erbium (Er 3+ )-doped ZnO nanocomposites were prepared through the effective, basic, and green combustion method. The significant effects of Er dopants on the structural, morphological features, dielectric, and optical behaviors of the pure ZnO matrix as well as Er 2 O 3 –ZnO nanostructured materials were investigated applying X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectrophotometer techniques. These results showed that the synthesized Er 2 O 3 –ZnO nanocomposites are well polycrystalline. The Er 2 O 3 –ZnO nanocomposites are almost uniformly distributed on the surface morphologies. Furthermore, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, AC electrical conductivity, and dielectric properties’ current–voltage characteristics were utilized to examine the influence of erbium doping on the optical properties, energy bandgaps of the proposed Er 2 O 3 –ZnO nanostructured powder. The tested nano-samples were applied for the visible light photodegradation of p-chlorophenol(4-CP) and p-nitrophenol (4-NP). The Er-doped ZnO ratio affects the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO matrix. This current research substantiated that more than 99.5% of 4-CP and 4-NP were photodegraded through 30 min of irradiation. Four times, the Er:ZnO nanocatalysts were used and still displayed an efficiency of more than 96.5% for 4-CP and 4-NP degradations in the specified period of 30 min. The as-prepared Er 2 O 3 –ZnO nanostructures are considered novel potential candidates in broad nano-applications from visible photocatalytic degradation of waste pollutants to the electronic varistor devices. Graphical abstract