Solvothermal synthesis of activated carbon loaded CdS nanoflowers: Boosted photodegradation of dye by adsorption and photocatalysis synergy

摘要

Herein, we prepared AC (activated carbon) loaded CdS nanoflowers for the removal of stable dye. Morphological, crystallographic, thermal and optical properties of activated carbon loaded CdS nanoflowers (AC-CdS) were comprehensively studied using multiple characterizations. The prepared samples were examined for the removal of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light. The AC-CdS photocatalyst exhibit flower-like morphology and flowers were composed of several assembled nanoplates. The AC-CdS nanoflowers allows the maximum adsorption of dye on catalyst surface and assist efficient charge separation, which ultimately enhanced its photocatalytic performance. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is owing to synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis. Further, the AC in AC-CdS nanoflowers effectively adsorbed the intermediates/toxic materials formed during photocatalysis. Therefore, the AC-CdS flower-like nanocomposites would be an economical, efficient and greener environment-friendly photocatalyst. The kinetic study shows that the adsorption of RhB on AC-CdS follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.