A novel g-C3N4@(H/C-CdS) catalyst based on a microinjection titration-stirring strategy for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

A g-C 3 N 4 @(H/C-CdS) photocatalyst via a microinjection titration-stirring strategy. • g-C 3 N 4 suppressed H/C-CdS nanoparticle agglomeration enhancing active site exposure. • CS 2 SM-modified CdS crystallization improved charge transfer and defect regulation. • To achieve 78.37 % TC degradation in 60 min under sunlight. The development of efficient photocatalysts for visible-light and solar-driven degradation of wastewater treatment containing antibiotics remains a significant challenge. Here, this work reports a novel g-C 3 N 4 @(H/C-CdS) catalyst synthesized via a facile microinjection titration-stirring strategy based on a dual-interface design. Through comprehensive morphological and structural characterization, the catalyst demonstrated optimized two-dimensional layered structures, enlarged specific surface areas, and narrower band gaps, which were essential for its superior photocatalytic activity. The system simultaneously established a semiconductor heterojunction between g-C 3 N 4 and CdS as well as a Z-scheme interphase junction between hexagonal and cubic CdS, effectively facilitating charge separation and transfer. Notably, the incorporation of CS 2 -storage material (CS 2 SM) as a crystallization modifier precisely controlled CdS crystal phases and defect states. Benefiting from these structural and electronic properties, the composite achieved efficient cycling stability and remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency for 150 mg/L tetracycline, achieving degradation rates of 76.08% under visible light and 78.37% under natural sunlight within 60 min. This work provides detailed insights and a solid foundation for designing advanced dual-interface photocatalysts for solar-driven wastewater treatment. Download: Download high-res image (270KB) Download: Download full-size image