Construction of ZnxCd1−xS/Bi2S3 composite nanospheres with photothermal effect for enhanced photocatalytic activities

Abstract Rational design of photocatalysts with heterostructure is of scientific and technological interest for taking full advantage use of solar energy. Here we demonstrate a facile method to fabricate Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S/Bi 2 S 3 composite nanospheres, in which Bi 2 S 3 nanorods grown on the surface of Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S nanospheres. The as-prepared Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S@ZnS core-shell nanospheres play a vital role in formation of the Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S@Bi 2 S 3 composite nanospheres. The Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S/Bi 2 S 3 composites show both excellent photocatalysis and photothermal effect. Nanorods-like Bi 2 S 3 show wide optical absorption from visible to near infrared light and photocurrent response, which enable enhanced full spectrum absorption of the heterostructured photocatalyst and photocurrent for overall photocatalytic performance. Additionally, Bi 2 S 3 nanorods with photothermal effect would synergistically increase the temperature of the micro-environment around the catalysts of Zn x Cd 1−x S. Thus, the Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S/Bi 2 S 3 composites exhibit a little better photocatalytic activity than that of pure Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S. The present study provides a promising strategy for the rational design of efficient sulfide semiconductor heterojunction catalysts for making the utmost of solar fuels in dealing with organic pollutants from wastewater.