In
this work, CdS quantum dots (QDs)-sensitized self-doped Bi
2
MoO
6
has been
synthesized using glucose as reducing agent by hydrothermal method,
followed by in situ deposition of the QDs. The synthesized catalyst
has been employed to reduce toxic Cr(VI) and degrade phenol from the
aqueous solution. The structural, optical,
and electrochemical characterizations are performed using X-ray diffraction,
UV–vis diffuse reflection, photoluminescence (PL), scanning
electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
The optical properties were precisely investigated by calculating
the Urbach energy, PL, and photoluminescence excitation spectra. The
orderly distribution of QDs is confirmed from the correlation between
full width at half-maximum of PL spectra, Urbach energy, and TEM analysis.
The versatile photocatalytic activity has been tested toward Cr(VI)
reduction and degradation of phenol. 3% CdS QDs-sensitized self-doped
Bi
2
MoO
6
showed highest activity, i.e., 97 and
47.5% toward reduction of Cr(VI) and degradation of phenol under solar
light. The reduction of Cr(VI) by the catalyst is supported by the
kinetics and determination of the pH
PZC
value. In addition
to this, the photostability and reusability test showed that the catalyst
can be reused up to five cycles without diminishing its activity.