In this study

a new type of oxycarbide-based compounds

namely lanthanum titanium oxycarbide and neodymium titanium oxycarbide

were synthesized through solid-state reaction to replace titanium oxycarbide due to its rapid charge carrier recombination and limited responsiveness to visible light (VL) in photocatalysis. The structural

morphological

optical absorption

and vibrational properties of the synthesized catalysts were thoroughly characterized using powder X-ray diffraction

scanning electron microscopy

ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy

and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to assess their suitability for catalytic applications. Subsequently

the photocatalytic behavior of the synthesized materials was evaluated for their ability to degrade the hazardous Congo red (CR) dye in various types of water

including deionized water

domestic utility water used for household purposes

and seawater

under VL illumination. Notably

lanthanum titanium oxycarbide and neodymium titanium oxycarbide exhibited superior degradation efficiencies for CR dye

achieving maximum degradation rates of 87% and 89%

respectively

in domestic water used for routine household purposes within a duration of 90 minutes

when compared to TiOC. However

the degradation efficiency was slightly lower in deionized water and seawater. Additionally

lanthanum titanium oxycarbide and neodymium titanium oxycarbide demonstrated promising hydrogen evolution activity

generating 19.7 and 21.1 µmol/g

respectively

under VL in 180 minutes. The enhanced efficiency in CR removal and hydrogen generation activity of lanthanum titanium oxycarbide and neodymium titanium oxycarbide has been attributed to the synergistic effects of improved VL absorption

higher exciton separation and a supportive pH environment due to the presence of lanthanum

neodymium

and carbon ions in a combined entity.