Constructing Bi4Ti3O12/CdS heterostructure by Atomic Layer Deposition for increased photocatalytic performance through suppressed electron/hole recombination

Abstract Heterostructured nanomaterials are promising candidates for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Herein, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) approach was applied to synthesize Bi4Ti3O12/CdS composites by depositing CdS nanoparticles on Bi4Ti3O12 nanorods. Ultrafine CdS nanoparticles (about 2.1 nm) were uniformly deposited on each Bi4Ti3O12 nanorod, forming Bi4Ti3O12/CdS heterostructure, which displayed remarkably improved photocatalytic performance. With visible light irradiation, the composite with 40 ALD deposition cycles provided the photodegradation efficiency of 98% for RhB in 1 h. Further analysis indicated that the sample showed an efficient electron/hole separation rate. This excellent photocatalytic performance was supported by the synergic effect between the Bi4Ti3O12 and CdS. We believe the design and synthesis of such a heterostructured catalyst offers a new approach to obtain high-performance photocatalysts for various photocatalytic applications.