Ultrasonication-Assisted Synthesis of ZnxCd1−xS for Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

Zn x Cd 1−x S as a solid solution photocatalyst has attracted widespread attention for its unique adjustable band gap structure and good and stable performance. A novel synthesis approach for Zn x Cd 1−x S is still required to further improve its performance. In this study, we synthesized a series of Zn x Cd 1−x S (x = 0−1) solid solutions via an ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal route. In comparison with conventional methods of preparation, the sample prepared by our innovative method showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of a methyl orange (MO) solution under visible light due to its high crystallinity and small crystallite size. Furthermore, the composition and bandgap of Zn x Cd 1−x S can be tuned by adjusting the mole ratio of Zn 2+ /Cd 2+ . Zn 0.3 Cd 0.7 S shows the highest level of activity and stability for the degradation of MO with k = 0.85 h −1 , which is 2.2 times higher than that of CdS. The balance between band gap structure-directed redox capacity and light absorption of Zn 0.3 Cd 0.7 S accounts for its high photocatalytic performance, both of which are determined by the composition of the solid solution. Also, a degradation mechanism of MO over the sample is tentatively proposed. This study demonstrates a new strategy to synthesize highly efficient sulfide photocatalysts.

Enhanced Photo-Catalytic and Antibacterial Properties of Ni-Doped Cd0.9Zn0.1S Nanostructures

“…The Au doped Cd 0.25 Zn 0.75 S nanostructures had exhibited 97% of photo-catalytic removal capacity of MB dye which is 20% superior to the Cd 0.25 Zn 0.75 S nanostructures [41]. Zn 0.3 Cd 0.7 S exhibited the maximum level of photo-catalytic activity and stability for the degradation of MO with k = 0.85 h −1 , which is 2.2 times higher than that of CdS [42]. The optical properties of the Zn added CdS revealed that the energy gap of Zn-doped CdS is higher than the energy gap of the pure CdS nanostructures [43].…”

Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Wastes in Water

“…Zn x Cd 1−x S has attracted widespread interest as a solid solution photocatalyst due to its unique adjustable band-gap structure and its good stable performance. A series of ZCSs with nanosheet structures were successfully synthesized by an ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method [10]. All solid solutions (except for x = 0.8−1.0) showed greater efficiency to photocatalytically degrade MO solution under visible light in comparison to CdS.…”

“…The balance between band-gap structure-directed redox capacity and light absorption of Zn 0.3 Cd 0.7 S accounts for its good photocatalytic performance. In this way, Yang et al [10] contributed a novel strategy to synthesize highly efficient sulfide photocatalysts.…”