Ce_(1–x)Sm_xO_(2–δ)-attapulgite nanocomposites:synthesis via simple microwave approach and investigation of its catalytic activity

Ce1–x Smx O2–δ-attapulgite（ATP） nanocomposites were successfully prepared via a facile microwave approach.This was a facile and rapid process requiring only low power of microwave irradiation（160 W）.The catalytic performance of the Ce1–x Smx O2–δ-ATP nanocomposites with different Sm contents for degradation of methylene blue（MB） was systematically evaluated.The Ce1–x Smx O2–δ-ATP nanocomposites showed enhanced catalytic activities compared with pure CeO2/ATP.Specifically,the catalytic activities of Ce1–x Smx O2–δ-ATP nanocomposites increased with increase in Sm content from x=0.0 to 0.3.The introduction of an optimal amount of Sm3＋into CeO2 contributed to the formation of structure defects and electronic defects in the oxide lattice,which could increase concentration of oxygen vacancies.However,further increasing Sm content to x=0.4 induced the formation of more agglomerates,leading to decreased catalytic activity.It was believed that this facile,rapid microwave-assisted strategy was scalable and could be applied to synthesize other nanocomposites for different applications.