Loading 0D Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanoparticle onto 2D BiOBr flakes to boost photocatalytic activity under visible light

The Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S/BiOBr Z-type heterojunction photocatalyst (ZCS-BB), composed of 0D Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S nanoparticle and 2D BiOBr flakes, are achieved through a straightforward hydrothermal technology. SEM and TEM confirm the successful loading of 0D Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S nanoparticles onto the 2D BiOBr flakes. The addition of Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S leads to an augmentation in both surface area and solar utilization of BiOBr. Additionally, electrochemical analyses demonstrate that the composite exhibit enhanced charge separation efficiency and reduced the recombination rate of photocarriers compared to individual samples. In the synthesized photocatalysts, 5 %ZCS-BB displays exceptional photocatalytic efficacy in decomposing rhodamine B (99 %), with a reaction rate constant approximately 7.3 and 10.7 times greater than that for BiOBr and ZCS. Additionally, following four consecutive cycles, 5 %ZCS-BB exhibits remarkable photostability and structural integrity. Finally, combined with the XPS analysis and capture experiments, a potential degradation pathway of the contamination is disclosed. The current work could offer a highly effective and convenient photocatalyst in the remediation of dye wastewater.