Preparation of CdS/ g-C3N4/ MOF composite with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity for dye degradation

Abstract CdS nanoparticles was hybridized with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) sheets and titanium metal-organic framework (MOF) using a facile solvothermal method, for the catalytic photodegradation of Rhodamine B dyes under visible light irradiation. Characterization of as-obtained samples was performed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, thermogravimetric analysis, N 2 absorption-desorption and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflection spectra. The CdS/g-C 3 N 4 /MOF composite (238.43 m 2 /g) exhibited a remarkably high photocatalytic activity under the visible light irradiation, the degradation rate reached almost 90.2% for RhB after 90min reaction, far outperforming other decent photocatalysts like pure CdS, MOF, g-C 3 N 4 under the same conditions. The superior photocatalytic activity of the CdS/g-C 3 N 4 /MOF composite is attributed to enhanced separation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs, as well as increased visible-light absorption. Therefore, CdS/g-C 3 N 4 /MOF composites, prepared using a facile method are applicable to the development of the novel high-efficiency photocatalytic samples for future research.