A facile approach for the synthesis of ZnxCd1-xS/C nanocomposite to enhance photocatalytic activity

Abstract A series of ZnxCd1-xS/C nanocomposites with different molar ratios of Zn/Cd were successfully synthesized through a facile solid phase thermal decomposition method. The structures and properties of these nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectrum, electrochemical workstation and photocatalytic degradation test. The experimental results demonstrated that the photocurrent density of the Zn0.9Cd0.1S/C sample was the highest, which was 15 times that of the Zn0.1Cd0.9S/C sample. Among all the samples, Zn0.5Cd0.5S/C nanocomposite has the best photocatalytic activity. The degradation efficiencies of rhodamine B reached 98.4% under UV irradiation for 90 min. Carbon in ZnxCd1-xS/C nanocomposites improved the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes, enhancing the photocatalytic activity of ZnxCd1-xS/C nanocomposites.