One-step synthesis of CdS-CeO2/sepiolite and its efficient removal of Rhodamine B by synergistic adsorption and photocatalysis

We prepare CdS-CeO 2 /sepiolite materials in a one-step process and characterize their structural, morphological, and optical properties. CdS-CeO 2 /sepiolite displays enhanced adsorption of the environmentally hazardous dye Rhodamine B (RhB), up to 34.92 mg/g. Harnessing synergy between adsorption and photocatalysis, CdS-CeO 2 /sepiolite removes 98.57 % of RhB from solution after 150 min of visible light illumination and is robust to a wide pH range. Quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) indicates that singlet oxygen and holes are the main reactive groups during photocatalytic degradation. CdS and CeO 2 hinder the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, accelerate charge transfer, and enhance visible light absorption. These CdS-CeO 2 /sepiolite materials have potential application in the efficient photodegradation of dye in a wide range of pH.