The bandgap tunable Zn1−xCdxS solid solutions with enhanced photocatalytic property in water environmental treatment

The sulfide semiconductor photocatalysts have attracted tremendous attention with respect to their narrow bandgap and enhanced photocatalytic properties. Herein, we reported a facile synthesis of ZnxCd1−xS series solid solutions via one-pot hydrothermal strategy to perform great catalytic applications on toxic inorganic Cr(VI) degradation and organic dye degradation. In this work, we have successfully synthesized rod-like Zn1−xCdxS solid solutions with tunable band-gap by one-step solvothermal method. We have characterized the phase structure, micro-morphology, optical properties, electrochemical property and photocatalytic performance of as-prepared samples. Among those, the best high-efficiency Zn0.1Cd0.9S photocatalyst displayed significant photocatalytic properties on pollution degradation under the simulated solar-light irradiation, in detail, with the degradation rate constants for photooxidation MB of 0.01387 S−1 and for photoreduction Cr(VI) of 0.263 S−1, respectively. We hope this work could provide more insights into the utilization of green energy for environmental treatment by the bandgap tunable Zn1−xCdxS solid solution semiconductor photocatalysts.