Flower-like CeO2/CdS quantum dots heterojunction nanocomposites with high photocatalytic activity for RhB degradation

Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants is an efficient, environmentally friendly and low-cost treatment method, in which photocatalysts with excellent performance are the basis for the photocatalytic process. Constructing heterojunctions in photocatalysts is a versatile strategy to improve catalytic efficiency. Herein, mesoporous flower-like CeO2/CdS quantum dots heterojunction nanocomposites with high photocatalytic activity for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation were synthesized by the two-step precipitation method. The nanocomposites show a special flower-like morphology, a large specific surface area and a pore-like structure for increasing the light-trapping ability and the reaction sites. The formation of the heterojunction accelerates the interface carrier separation and transfer processes and enhances the photogenerated electron-hole separation rate. Furthermore, the nanocomposites were used for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB under visible light, which showed high photocatalytic activity and cycle stability, the degradation rate can reach 96.16%.