Enhance photocatalysis performance and mechanism of CdS and Ag synergistic co-catalyst supported on mesoporous g-C3N4 nanosheets under visible-light irradiation

Abstract

In the present work the photocatalytic activity of CdS(x)/Ag/g-C3N4 (x=10, 20, 40, 60wt% of the CdS) hybrid heterostructured photocatalyst was investigated. Prior the depositions of CdS over the surface of g-C3N4, an optimal concentration of Ag nanoparticles as electron conducting bridge were deposited between the interfaces of CdS and g-C3N4 nanosheets. Being as a plasmon metal, the Ag nanoparticles were deposited to increase the absorption of visible light via surface plasmon resonance effect. The deposition of Ag between the interfaces of CdS nanospeheres and g-C3N4 can greatly facilitate the migration of electron and reduce the electron-hole recombination during the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The hybrid heterostructure shows significant photocatalytic activity and photostability compare with pure g-C3N4, CdS and CdS/g-C3N4 samples. It is concluded that the hybrid heterostructure provide significant photocatalytic degradation activity through an efficient and facilitated electron transfer mechanism.