Graphene-enhanced visible-light photocatalysis of large-sized CdS particles for wastewater treatment

Abstract

The hybrid composites of graphene decorated by large-sized CdS particles (G/M-CdS) were prepared by a one-pot solvothermal route in which the reduction of graphite oxide into graphene was accompanied by the generation of microsized CdS particles. The structure and composition of the obtained nanocomposites were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The CdS particles with the average sizes of approximately 640 nm were formed on graphene sheets. The as-prepared composite was used as adsorbent to remove dye from wastewater using the organic dye Rhodamine B as the adsorbate. The G/M-CdS composite reveals a high photodegradation rate under visible light irradiation. Our results demonstrate that the G/M-CdS is very promising for removing organic dyes from wastewater.

Synthesis of polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM/CuS/AA) nanocomposite and its application in the removal of Isma acid fast yellow G Dye

“…One reason might be based on van der Waals interactions occurring between the nanocomposite and aromatic backbones of the dye. The second reason might be due to the strong π‐stacking interaction between the benzene ring of the dye and the large delocalized π‐electron system of the PAMAM nanocomposite.” These results are compatible with the reported results of Lü et al It was observed that the percentages of the dye adsorbed increased as the CuS content was increased (Fig. ).…”

Growth of Hydrothermally Derived CdS-Based Nanostructures with Various Crystal Features and Photoactivated Properties

“…However, because of their wide band gap, most photocatalysts are active only under ultraviolet light, which occupies several percentages of the received solar energy [ 1 , 2 ]. The development of efficient photocatalysts for visible light irradiation has therefore become a critical scientific challenge for the photocatalyst community [ 3 – 5 ]. Compared with the abundant wide band gap semiconductor photocatalysts, photocatalysts with a visible-light band gap are relatively limited in number.…”

A General Route for Growing Metal Sulfides onto Graphene Oxide and Exfoliated Graphite Oxide

“…Some synthetic strategies have been developed for the decoration of GO with semiconductor nanocrystals such as CdS, Bi 2 S 3 , and PbS [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Unlike CdS, which has been extensively investigated in association to GO [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ], just a few reports were found involving other sulfides such as Bi 2 S 3 , and PbS [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Gao et al described GO/CdS composites obtained by a two-phase mixing method [ 18 , 24 ].…”

“…Gao et al described GO/CdS composites obtained by a two-phase mixing method [ 18 , 24 ]. The preparation of GO nanosheets decorated with CdS nanorods by the pyrolysis of cadmium precursors has been described by Zhang et al [ 13 ] There are several reports of solvothermal routes for the production of GO/metal sulfides [ 9 , 12 , 14 , 17 , 19 , 20 ]. GO surfaces have been decorated with PbS into a semi-core/shell structure using a solution-based hot-injection method [ 22 ].…”

“…There has been great interest in using GO as a scaffold to develop visible-light photocatalysts, because it is relatively inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and can enhance the semiconductor photocatalytic properties by extending the light absorption range and improving charge carrier separation and transport [ 11 , 14 , 15 , 17 , 18 , 20 , 25 , 26 ]. Thus far, however, it has not been reported a single-source method for the production of metal sulfides onto GO, with potential for up-scale production of nanocomposite photocatalysts.…”