Synthesis of CdxZn1-xS@Fe3S4 magnetic photocatalyst nanoparticles for the photodegradation of methylene blue

In this study, we synthesized core-shell structured magnetic CdxZn1-xS@Fe3S4 semiconductor catalysts. The CdxZn1-xS shell of the catalysts possesses a wider absorption optical domain and uses light energy more efficiently than CdS. The Fe atoms of the Fe3S4 core dope into the CdxZn1-xS crystal lattice, which leads to a band gap decrease. Among all catalysts prepared, the Cd0.2Zn0.8S@Fe3S4 nanocomposites bear low band gap properties and can efficiently photocatalyze the degradation of methylene blue under the irradiation of simulated sunlight. Under an external magnetic field, the CdxZn1-xS@Fe3S4 catalysts can be recovered and reused several times without loss of catalytic activity. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.