Urchin-Like Bi2S3/Ag Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI)

Herein, a series of urchin-like Bi2S3/Ag nanostructures with different weight ratios of Ag NPs to Bi2S3 was constructed. Incorporation of Ag to urchin-like Bi2S3 not only generates more deep-level effects, thus enhancing the photothermal conversion efficiency and improving the optical absorption capacity in the near-infrared region, but also accelerates the separation ability of photogenerated carriers, leading to high photocatalytic efficiency. The significantly improved photocatalytic activity of Bi2S3/Ag nanostructures under full spectral irradiation (about seven times that of bare Bi2S3 under general photocatalysis conditions) was caused by the synergies between photocatalysis and photothermal effects of urchin-like Bi2S3/Ag. This study could provide deep insights into the design of high-efficient photocatalysts based on the photothermal effect.

Automated summary

The incorporation of Ag into urchin-like Bi2S3 nanostructures improves their photothermal conversion efficiency and optical absorption capacity, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity. The synergistic effects between photocatalysis and photothermal effects contribute to the significantly improved photocatalytic efficiency of Bi2S3/Ag nanostructures. This study provides insights into the design of high-efficient photocatalysts based on the photothermal effect.