ZnS quantum dots and Bi metals embedded with two dimensional β-Bi2O4 nanosheets for efficient UV-visible light driven photocatalysis

In this work, the ZnS QDs, Bi/beta-Bi2O4 and ZnS/Bi/beta-Bi2O4 nanocomposite were synthesized through a facile precipitation, solvothermal and wet impregnation route respectively. The combination of bare ZnS QDs with Bi/beta-Bi2O4 nanocomposite exhibits superior photocatalytic activity against toxic pollutants (MB & Rh B) and it's attributed to the increased light-absorption capacity, efficient charge transfer process, extraordinary exciton separation, less photogenerated electron-hole recombination. The ZnS/Bi/beta-Bi2O4 nanocomposite was found to be 3 times more efficient as a photocatalyst than pristine ZnS QDs. Besides, this composite demonstrates good stability for photocatalytic activities, no substantial decomposition of activity is being observed after 5 cycle's run devoid of a main defeat in their performance. Scavenger test were also implemented in order to appreciate the possible mechanism of photodegradation. This superior photocatalytic activity and stability may offer a new sight in the improvement of a photocatalyst with large efficiency for practical application of wastewater treatment.

Automated summary

In this study, ZnS QDs, Bi/β-Bi2O4, and ZnS/Bi/β-Bi2O4 nanocomposites were synthesized, showing superior photocatalytic activity against toxic pollutants. The ZnS/Bi/β-Bi2O4 nanocomposite demonstrated 3 times higher efficiency as a photocatalyst than pristine ZnS QDs and good stability for photocatalytic activities. Additionally, scavenger tests were conducted to understand the possible mechanism of photodegradation, offering potential for practical application in wastewater treatment.