The improved spatial charge separation and antibiotic removal performance on Z-scheme Zn-Fe2O3/ZnIn2S4 architectures

AgBr nanoparticle surface modified SnO2 enhanced visible light catalytic performance: characterization, mechanism and kinetics study

In this study, a simple hydrothermal procedure and in situ precipitation method were used to prepare SnO2-AgBr composites, where the molar ratios of SnO2 and AgBr were 1 : 1, 1 : 2 and 2 : 1. Characterization results showed that the composites had excellent dispersion, crystallinity, and purity. A photocatalytic degradation experiment and first-order kinetic model indicate that SnO2-AgBr (1 : 1) had the best photocatalytic performance, and the degradation rates of 30 mg L-1 simulated MO and MG wastewater reached 96.71% and 93.36%, respectively, in 150 min, which were 3.5 times those of SnO2. The degradation rate of MO and MG increases with the dosage. Humic acid inhibited the degradation of MG, while a low concentration of humic acid promoted the degradation of MO, and the composite has good stability with pH. A free radical trapping experiment shows that ·OH and ·O2- were the main active substances, and h+ was the secondary one. According to the results of the characterization and photocatalysis experiments, a Z-scheme mechanism for the SnO2-AgBr composite was proposed, and the degradation pathway of target pollutants was speculated upon. This study has conceived novel methods for the development of a mature Z-scheme mechanism and in doing so has provided new approaches for the development of photocatalysis for water pollution control.

One-pot synthesis of Zn-CdS@C nanoarchitecture with improved photocatalytic performance toward antibiotic degradation

In this paper, carbon-coated Zn doped CdS core-shell photocatalyst (Zn-CdS@C) was fabricated via one-pot solvothermal method. The obtained Zn-CdS@C architectures displayed enhanced performance in photocatalytic antibiotic removal process. The Zn doped sites and carbon shell could all contribute to the prolonged lifetime of charge carriers and furthermore, result in the improved photoactivity. Moreover, the carbon shell could effectively improve the corrosion resistance of sulfide photocatalyst. We hope this study could provide novel insights into the fabrication of highly-efficient carbon-coated core-shell nanostructure toward wastewater treatment.