Surface decorated Zn0.15Cd0.85S nanoflowers with P25 for enhanced visible light driven photocatalytic degradation of Rh-B and stability

Abstract

Decoration of Zn0.15Cd0.85S nanoflowers with P25 for forming P25/Zn0.15Cd0.85S nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized with fine crystallinity by one-step low temperature hydrothermal method. Photocatalytic efficiency of the as-prepared P25/Zn0.15Cd0.85S for the degradation of Rh-B is evaluated under the visible light irradiation. The synthesized composite is completely characterized with XRD, FESEM, TEM, BET, and UV-vis DRS. TEM observations reveal that P25 is closely deposited on the Zn0.15Cd0.85S nanoflowers with maintaining its nanoflower morphology. The photocatalytic activity of the as-obtained photocatalyst shows that the P25/Zn0.15Cd0.85S exhibits very high catalytic activity for degradation of Rh-B under visible light irradiation due to an increasing of the active sites and enhancing the catalyst stability because of the minimum recombination of the photo-induced electrons and holes. Moreover, it is found that the nanocomposite retains its photocatalytic activity even after four cycles. In addition, to explain the mechanism of degradation, scavengers are used to confirm the reactive species. Photo-generated holes and •OH play a significant role in the visible light of P25/Zn0.15Cd0.85S nanocomposite induced degradation system, but electrons play the most important role.