Abstract
A novel Z-scheme photocatalyst consisting of acidified graphitic carbon nitrogen (ag-C3N4)/carbon quantum dots/CdIn2S4 (CN/CQDs/CIS) was successfully synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method. The optimized CN-2/CQDs-3/CIS exhibited significantly improved photocatalytic performance in the degradation of ibuprofen under visible-light irradiation. Based on a series of characterizations, the ag-C3N4 and CQDs were distributed uniformly on the surface of the cubic spinel structure of CIS, with intimate contact among the materials. This intimate heterogeneous interface facilitated the migration of photogenerated carriers, further leading to enhanced photocatalytic performance. These results also indicated that the CQDs not only connect ag-C3N4 with CIS through covalent bonds but also enhance the visible-light adsorption. According to the analysis of the UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and Mott-Schottky curves, the mechanism of the Z-scheme heterojunction is proposed. The CQDs serve as electron mediators and transfer the electrons in the conduction band (CB) of ag-C3N4 to recombine with the holes in the valence band (VB) of CIS in the Z-scheme, leading to the enhanced separation efficiency of the photogenerated electrons in the CB of ag-C3N4 and the holes in the VB of CIS. The pollutant IBU was degraded by h+, ·O2− and ·OH, as determined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis.
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