This study demonstrates the enhanced photocatalytic decolorization of methylene blue (MB) dye using silver nanoparticle-decorated CeCoO3 (Ag/CeCoO3) perovskite under UV light irradiation. The Ag/CeCoO3 photocatalyst was synthesized through a ligand-assisted deposition method and comprehensively characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, PL, and UV-DRS. The incorporation of Ag nanoparticles significantly improved light absorption and charge carrier separation, resulting in a six-fold enhancement in photocatalytic activity compared to pristine CeCoO3. Under optimized operating conditions (pH 5, 50 °C, catalyst dosage 0.003 g L−1, initial MB concentration 10 ppm), the Ag/CeCoO3 composite achieved 97% MB decolorization within 25 minutes, exhibiting a reaction rate constant (k) of 0.13min-1 through pseudo first-order kinetics. Radical scavenging experiments elucidated the predominant role of photogenerated electrons (e−, 71% contribution), hydroxyl radicals (˙OH, 59%), and holes (h+, 47%) in the decolorization mechanism. Furthermore, the catalyst maintained exceptional stability and reusability, retaining over 88% of its initial efficiency after four consecutive cycles. These results highlight Ag/CeCoO3 as a highly efficient and durable photocatalyst for advanced wastewater treatment applications, demonstrating superior performance in organic dye remediation.
