Bismuth quantum dots anchored one-dimensional CdS as plasmonic photocatalyst for pharmaceutical tetracycline hydrochloride pollutant degradation

Earth abundant metal based plasmonic photocatalysis is one of the most proficient approaches to degrade the emergent organic pollutants in contaminated water. Here, we report that using one-dimensional CdS/zerodimensional Bi quantum dot (QD) heterostructures (1D/0D CdS/Bi HSs) were obtained via a simple solvothermal reaction. The results specified that the Bi QDs were grown onto CdS NRs through the reduction of Bi3+ ions. The Bi modified CdS HSs were employed as a photocatalyst for pharmaceutical pollutant tetracycline degradation and the optimized sample showed the maximum photocatalytic degradation activity of 90% under visible light radiation within 60 min, which is greater than the pure CdS (52%) under identical conditions. Based on the structural characterizations and degradation efficiency, the obtained CdS/Bi is a promising photocatalyst for the treatment of wastewater which contains emerging pollutants such as organic dyes and pharmaceutical antibiotics during the industrial processes. The boosted photocatalytic degradation efficiency is credited to the doped Bi3+ species; surface plasmon resonance effect that raised from metallic Bi QDs and proficient photoinduced charge carriers separation.

Automated summary

Earth abundant metal based plasmonic photocatalysis is an effective method for treating contaminated water with emerging organic pollutants. By combining Bi quantum dots with CdS nanorods, the photocatalytic performance of CdS is improved and shows promising degradation efficiency in the presence of antibiotics like tetracycline. CdS/Bi is a potential photocatalyst for treating wastewater containing emerging pollutants such as organic dyes and antibiotics.