Constructing 3D hierarchical Zn0.2Cd0.8S microspheres for the improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance

Nanorod assembled three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical Zn0.2Cd0.8S microspheres were successfully prepared by a facile one-pot microwave hydrothermal approach using ethylenediamine (EN) as a template agent. The optimal 3D hierarchical Zn0.2Cd0.8S microspheres (ZCS-30) is obtained when adding 30 mL into the synthetic system, which can function as a highly active photocatalyst for H-2 evolution under visible-light irradiation with the wavelength of 420 nm, delivering an activity approximately 2.5 and 7.5 times higher than that of Zn0.2Cd0.8S nanoparticles and CdS counterparts, respectively, and giving an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 7.4%. Furthermore, the ZCS-30 photocatalyst shows the good stability after the catalytic H-2 evolution for 15 h (5 cycles). In addition, the ZCS-30 photocatalyst exhibits the excellent degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) almost up to 80% under the visible light irradiation over a period of 150 min. The results demonstrate that ZCS-30 can serve as a promising visible-light-driven bifunctional photocatalyst for water splitting and dye degradation. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.