Constructing Bi4Ti3O12/CdS heterostructure by Atomic Layer Deposition for increased photocatalytic performance through suppressed electron/hole recombination

Heterostructured nanomaterials are promising candidates for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Herein, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) approach was applied to synthesize Bi4Ti3O12/CdS composites by depositing CdS nanoparticles on Bi4Ti3O12 nanorods. Ultrafine CdS nanoparticles (about 2.1 nm) were uniformly deposited on each Bi4Ti3O12 nanorod, forming Bi4Ti3O12/CdS heterostructure, which displayed remarkably improved photocatalytic performance. With visible light irradiation, the composite with 40 ALD deposition cycles provided the photodegradation efficiency of 98% for RhB in 1 h. Further analysis indicated that the sample showed an efficient electron/hole separation rate. This excellent photocatalytic performance was supported by the synergic effect between the Bi4Ti3O12 and CdS. We believe the design and synthesis of such a heterostructured catalyst offers a new approach to obtain high-performance photocatalysts for various photocatalytic applications. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Utilizing Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) to deposit CdS nanoparticles on Bi4Ti3O12 nanorods, the synthesis of Bi4Ti3O12/CdS composites demonstrated significantly improved photocatalytic performance, showcasing efficient electron/hole separation and synergic effect between Bi4Ti3O12 and CdS for high-performance photocatalysts.