jp6b11938_si_001.pdf (357.57 kB)
Modification of BiOI Microplates with CdS QDs for Enhancing Stability, Optical Property, Electronic Behavior toward Rhodamine B Decolorization, and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
journal contribution
posted on 2017-02-15, 00:00 authored by Debasmita Kandi, Satyabadi Martha, Arun Thirumurugan, K. M. ParidaFast recombination
of photoinduced charge carriers is a major problem
in the case of semiconductor based photocatalysts, which must be solved
for their potential application in photocatalysis. In this work, photostable
CdS QDs/BiOI composites have been successfully fabricated by a two-step
precipitation–deposition method. The prepared samples were
characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflection
spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy,
transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
(XPS), Mott–Schottky, and electrochemical impedance analysis.
The potential applications of CdS QDs/BiOI composite materials have
been tested toward decolorization of rhodamine B (RhB) solution and
hydrogen generation under solar light and visible light irradiation,
respectively. It has been observed that hydroxyl radicals, electrons,
and holes played a major role in decolorization of RhB solution. Among
all prepared photocatalysts, 4% CdS QDs/BiOI composite was able to
decolorize 82% of RhB solution in 1 h and 203 μmol/h of H2 under solar light and visible light irradiation, respectively.
The highest activity has been ascribed to optimal loading of CdS QDs,
good formation of composites, and the lowest recombination of charge
carriers.