Enhanced Visible Light Absorption CdS-decorated Direct Z-scheme G-C 3 N 4 /tio 2 for Improved Photocatalysis and Hydrogen Generation

Tailing direct Z-scheme photocatalyst is a prominent avenue to combat the challenges of environmental pollution and energy crisis. Herein, a direct Z-scheme composite of g-C3N4/TiO2 (CN/T) decorated with CdS (CdS/CN/T) is fabricated by a hydrothermal method. Compared with the binary and pristine photocatalysts, the CdS/CN/T ternary presents enhanced photocatalystic activity for the pollutants removal and H2 evolution under visible/solar light irradiation. 100% reduction of Cr(VI) within 20 min under solar light irradiation and 290 μmol h−1 g−1 evolution rate of H2 are achieved over the CdS/CN/T photocatalyst. The boosted photocatalytic activity is mainly ascribed to the synergistic interaction among CdS, g-C3N4, and TiO2, which endows them with larger specific surface area, higher light absorption capacity, and direct Z-scheme interface. Moreover, the as-developed photocatalyst is highly stable. This work offers a strategy of constructing g-C3N4-based direct Z-scheme photocatalysts for improving visible light photocatalytic performance.