Enhancing the Light-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles With the Synergistic Incorporation of Er and Tb Elements Y. Slimani, M. J. S. Mohamed, R. Sivakumar, M. A. Gondal, R. Vignesh, A. Thakur, A. Baykal, M. Nawaz, M. A. Almessiere Applied Organometallic Chemistry, 2025 The existence of organic pollutants in aqueous media has become a vital issue and a critical threat to human health, where organic toxic dyes represent the major contaminants in wastewater. Over the past few years, photocatalytic techniques have garnered a lot of interest in dye removal from wastewater. In this study, a series of ErxTbxZn1 − 2xO nanophotocatalysts (where x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) were synthesized and coded as ZET0, ZET1, ZET2, and ZET3 NPs (nanoparticles). The chemical and physical characteristics of the NPs were investigated using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS) techniques. Further examination by performing photocatalytic experiments, ZET1 NPs demonstrated effective Rhodamine B (RhB) dye degradation within 60 min. It was found that the kinetic rate constant values were 0.008, 0.097, 0.050, and 0.040 min−1 for ZET0, ZET1, ZET2, and ZET3 NPs, respectively. Aside from their remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency, these ZET1 photocatalysts are highly stable even after five consecutive cycles. In addition, the active species test revealed that the primary oxidation species involved in the photocatalytic process are holes (h+) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and a possible photocatalytic mechanism for degrading RhB by ZET1 photocatalysts was tentatively proposed. The enhancement of the photocatalytic degradation efficiency is due to the low recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers, as well as a strong synergistic impact of Tb, Er, and ZnO components. Thus, the current study could offer a versatile strategy for the design of new and effective nano photocatalysts for wastewater purification in the future.
Controllable physicochemical properties of WOx thin films grown under glancing angle Rupam Mandal, Aparajita Mandal, Alapan Dutta, Rengasamy Sivakumar, Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava, Tapobrata Som Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, 2024 In this work, various physicochemical properties are investigated in nanostructured WOx thin films prepared by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering for optoelectronic applications. A glancing angle of 87° is employed to grow films of different thicknesses, which are then exposed to post-growth annealing. Detailed local probe analyses in terms of morphology and work function of WOx films are carried out to investigate thickness-dependent property modulations of the as-deposited and annealed films. The analyses show a reasonably good correlation with photoelectron spectroscopic measurements on the films and the bulk I–V characteristics acquired on a series of WOx/p-Si heterojunction diodes. The presence of a critical WOx thickness is identified to regulate the rectification ratio values at the WOx/p-Si heterostructures and increase in series resistance within the bulk of the films. The present study provides valuable insights to correlate optical, electrical, and structural properties of WOx thin films, which will be beneficial for fabricating WOx-based optoelectronic devices, including photovoltaic cells.
Effect of precursor solution concentration on the properties of spin coated V2O5 thin films AC Amala, R Sivakumar Ceramics International , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Enhancing the Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Degradation Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles With the Synergistic Incorporation of Er and Tb Elements Y Slimani, MJS Mohamed, R Sivakumar, MA Gondal, R Vignesh, ... Applied Organometallic Chemistry 39 (3), e7863 , 2025 2025 Citations: 11
Synergistic impact of lanthanum and cerium co-doping ZnO for improved photocatalytic rhodamine B degradation efficiency under UV light Y Slimani, A Khan, R Sivakumar, M Nawaz, A Thakur Journal of Molecular Structure 1322, 140366 , 2025 2025 Citations: 18
Effect of thermal treatment on thin films of NiO: WO3 for optoelectronic applications KS Usha, SY Lee, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja Optical Materials 158, 116419 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Ultra-fast switching of energy efficient electrochromic nickel oxide thin films for smart window applications KS Usha, SY Lee, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja Ceramics International 50 (19), 36651-36665 , 2024 2024 Citations: 22
Predict the modelling of cement concrete strength using Taguchi and ANOVA method B Venkatesh, R Sivakumar, S Vijayakumar, PS Satheesh kumar, MNS Sri, ... Interactions 245 (1), 290 , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
On the enhanced electrochromic performance of nano-structured V2O5 thin films developed by substrate temperature induced orientated growth MM Cristopher, P Karthick, R Sivakumar, K Saravanakumar, S Arumugam, ... Electrochimica Acta 499, 144650 , 2024 2024 Citations: 10
Controllable physicochemical properties of WOx thin films grown under glancing angle R Mandal, A Mandal, A Dutta, R Sivakumar, SK Srivastava, T Som Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology 15 (1), 350-359 , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
Tunable room-temperature ferromagnetism in RF magnetron sputtered Al2Cr2Cu2O8 thin film S Ponmudi, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja Ceramics International 50 (2), 4190-4203 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Efficient photocatalysis of Zn1-2xEuxDyxO nanoparticles towards the degradation of hazardous Rhodamine B dye Y Slimani, ZH Al Naji, E Hannachi, M Nawaz, R Sivakumar, S Akhtar, ... Inorganic Chemistry Communications 159, 111803 , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Tuning the phase structure and surface morphology of Cr2O3: CuO thin film by annealing for enhanced ammonia sensing performance at room temperature S Ponmudi, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja Inorganic Chemistry Communications 158, 111512 , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Impact of magnetic spinel ferrite content on the structure, morphology, optical, and magneto-dielectric properties of BaTiO 3 materials Y Slimani, SS Meena, SE Shirsath, E Hannachi, MA Almessiere, A Baykal, ... Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie 237 (11), 1753-1774 , 2023 2023 Citations: 12
Nebulizer-assisted spray deposited Mn3O4 films: Study the substrate temperature influenced electrochromic properties cycled in neutral aqueous electrolyte system R Vignesh, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja, C Gopalakrishnan, S Induja Electrochimica Acta 468, 143204 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Influence of tungsten oxide concentration on structural, morphological, compositional, linear and non-linear optical properties, and vibrational properties on NiO: WO3 thin films J Vivekanandan, KS Usha, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja Optical Materials 144, 114313 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
Molarity Influenced Interesting Electrochromic Optical Modulation Peak Shift in Nebulized Spray Deposited Mn 3 O 4 Films R Vignesh, R Sivakumar, Y Slimani, C Sanjeeviraja Journal of The Electrochemical Society 170 (6), 063506 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Influence of surfactants on the properties of ZnWO 4 catalyst by a simple co-precipitation technique for methylene blue dye degradation GV Geetha, R Sivakumar, Y Slimani, Y Kuroki, C Sanjeeviraja Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics 34 (14), 1154 , 2023 2023 Citations: 13
Fabrication of NiO/RGO nanocomposite for enhancing photocatalytic performance through degradation of RhB P Vivek, R Sivakumar, ES Esakki, S Deivanayaki Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids 176, 111255 , 2023 2023 Citations: 60
Preparation of cerium and yttrium doped ZnO nanoparticles and tracking their structural, optical, and photocatalytic performances E Hannachi, Y Slimani, M Nawaz, R Sivakumar, Z Trabelsi, R Vignesh, ... Journal of Rare Earths 41 (5), 682-688 , 2023 2023 Citations: 75
Correlation of annealing temperature on physico-chemical properties and electrochromic performance of nebulizer spray-coated NiO films C Ravi Dhas, SE Santhoshi Monica, R Venkatesh, R Sivakumar, ... Inorganic and Nano-Metal Chemistry 53 (2), 178-190 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Effect of substrate temperatures on structural, optical and dispersion energy parameters of RF sputtered nickel oxide thin films KS Usha, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja, J Vivekanandan Materials Chemistry and Physics 294, 127007 , 2023 2023 Citations: 32
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Optical constants and dispersion energy parameters of NiO thin films prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique KS Usha, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja Journal of Applied Physics 114 (12) , 2013 2013 Citations: 256
A novel approach for recycling of kerf loss silicon from cutting slurry waste for solar cell applications TY Wang, YC Lin, CY Tai, R Sivakumar, DK Rai, CW Lan Journal of Crystal Growth 310 (15), 3403-3406 , 2008 2008 Citations: 213
Preparation and characterization of spray deposited n-type WO3 thin films for electrochromic devices R Sivakumar, AME Raj, B Subramanian, M Jayachandran, DC Trivedi, ... Materials Research Bulletin 39 (10), 1479-1489 , 2004 2004 Citations: 179
Preparation and characterization of electron beam evaporated WO3 thin films R Sivakumar, R Gopalakrishnan, M Jayachandran, C Sanjeeviraja Optical Materials 29 (6), 679-687 , 2007 2007 Citations: 140
Characterization on electron beam evaporated α-MoO3 thin films by the influence of substrate temperature R Sivakumar, R Gopalakrishnan, M Jayachandran, C Sanjeeviraja Current Applied Physics 7 (1), 51-59 , 2007 2007 Citations: 125
Improved electrochromic performance of a radio frequency magnetron sputtered NiO thin film with high optical switching speed KS Usha, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja, V Sathe, V Ganesan, TY Wang RSC advances 6 (83), 79668-79680 , 2016 2016 Citations: 124
Influence of post-deposition heat treatment on optical properties derived from UV–vis of cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin films deposited on amorphous substrate K Punitha, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja, V Ganesan Applied Surface Science 344, 89-100 , 2015 2015 Citations: 97
Investigation of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS), cyclic voltammetric analyses of WO3 films and their electrochromic response in FTO/WO3/electrolyte/FTO cells R Sivakumar, R Gopalakrishnan, M Jayachandran, C Sanjeeviraja Smart materials and structures 15 (3), 877-888 , 2006 2006 Citations: 94
Effect of solution molarity on optical dispersion energy parameters and electrochromic performance of Co3O4 films CR Dhas, R Venkatesh, R Sivakumar, AME Raj, C Sanjeeviraja Optical Materials 72, 717-729 , 2017 2017 Citations: 82
Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) thin films: rf Power and substrate temperature induced changes in physical properties N Usha, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja, M Arivanandhan Optik-International Journal for Light and Electron Optics 126 (19), 1945-1950 , 2015 2015 Citations: 82
Influence of dopant concentration on the electrochromic properties of tungsten oxide thin films M Meenakshi, V Gowthami, P Perumal, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja Electrochimica Acta 174, 302-314 , 2015 2015 Citations: 79
Investigation on structural, optical, morphological and electrical properties of thermally deposited lead selenide (PbSe) nanocrystalline thin films TS Shyju, S Anandhi, R Sivakumar, SK Garg, R Gopalakrishnan Journal of Crystal Growth 353 (1), 47-54 , 2012 2012 Citations: 79
Structural and optical studies on nickel oxide thin film prepared by nebulizer spray technique V Gowthami, P Perumal, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja Physica B: Condensed Matter 452, 1-6 , 2014 2014 Citations: 78
Preparation of cerium and yttrium doped ZnO nanoparticles and tracking their structural, optical, and photocatalytic performances E Hannachi, Y Slimani, M Nawaz, R Sivakumar, Z Trabelsi, R Vignesh, ... Journal of Rare Earths 41 (5), 682-688 , 2023 2023 Citations: 75
Physical properties of electron beam evaporated CdTe and CdTe: Cu thin films K Punitha, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja, V Sathe, V Ganesan Journal of Applied Physics 116 (21) , 2014 2014 Citations: 69
An electrochromic device (ECD) cell characterization on electron beam evaporated MoO3 films by intercalating/deintercalating the H+ ions R Sivakumar, CS Gopinath, M Jayachandran, C Sanjeeviraja Current Applied Physics 7 (1), 76-86 , 2007 2007 Citations: 65
Tuning the morphology of metastable MnS films by simple chemical bath deposition technique T Dhandayuthapani, M Girish, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja, ... Applied Surface Science 353, 449-458 , 2015 2015 Citations: 63
Studies on the effect of substrate temperature on (VI–VI) textured tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films on glass, SnO2: F substrates by PVD: EBE technique for electrochromic devices R Sivakumar, M Jayachandran, C Sanjeeviraja Materials Chemistry and Physics 87 (2-3), 439-445 , 2004 2004 Citations: 61
Fabrication of NiO/RGO nanocomposite for enhancing photocatalytic performance through degradation of RhB P Vivek, R Sivakumar, ES Esakki, S Deivanayaki Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids 176, 111255 , 2023 2023 Citations: 60
Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye using ZnWO 4 catalyst prepared by a simple co-precipitation technique GV Geetha, R Sivakumar, C Sanjeeviraja, V Ganesh Journal of sol-gel science and technology 97 (3), 572-580 , 2021 2021 Citations: 59
