Fabrication of highly visible light sensitive graphite-like C3N4 hybridized with Zn0.28Cd0.72S heterjunctions photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants

Novel hybridization of g-C 3 N 4 /Zn 0.28 Cd 0.72 S heterjunctions photocatalysts was successfully synthesized via the combination of chemisorptions and thermal post-treatment, wherein the g-C 3 N 4 serves as substrates to provide sites to anchor the Zn 0.28 Cd 0.72 S nanorods . These nanostructured g-C 3 N 4 /Zn 0.28 Cd 0.72 S composites were extensively characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV–vis-DRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The UV–vis-DRS results revealed that absorption spectral range of hybrid composites is a monotonous enhancement with the increasing Zn 0.28 Cd 0.72 S concentration in the visible light region. Interestingly, the catalytic performance of the g-C 3 N 4 /Zn 0.28 Cd 0.72 S is strongly dependent on the loading of Zn 0.28 Cd 0.72 S. The photocatalytic results demonstrate that 70   wt% g-C 3 N 4 /Zn 0.28 Cd 0.72 S hybrid photocatalyst exhibits the highest efficiency for the degradation of RhB and 4-ABA pollutants under visible light irradiation. And cycling photocatalytic tests for photocatalytic decomposition of RhB also indicate this photocatalyst is stable enough. The Fermi level ( E F ) and band position calculations reveal that g-C 3 N 4 and Zn 0.28 Cd 0.72 S are well-matched overlapping band structure, which may be in favour of enhanced separation rate of holes and electrons for reason of the development of heterogeneous interface. The interfacial charge transfer process was further verified in the photoreaction system of g-C 3 N 4 /Zn 0.28 Cd 0.72 S on the basis of VB-XPS and photoluminescence spectra (PL) analysis.