Novel CdS/CeO₂/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite for efficient phenol photodegradation under visible light

Higher electron transfer efficiency is an important way to improve the activity of photocatalysts. A novel Z-scheme CdS/CeO₂/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method, and its photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of phenol. The phase structure, morphology, surface structure, and atomic valence state of the as-obtained photocatalyst were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, XPS, and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, respectively. The CdS/CeO₂/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite exhibited a remarkable photocatalytic activity and a rapid degradation ability for phenol with a degradation rate of 95 % in 180 min, which was considerably better than those of pure CeO₂ and CdS/CeO₂ under the same conditions, suggesting a synergistic effect in the nanocomposite. The enhancement of the photocatalysis ability of the nanocomposite is mainly attributed to the higher adsorption capacity of three-dimensional porous g-C₃N₄ and the three-dimensional space electric field formed by its complex with CdS and CeO₂. The three-dimensional porous structure is not only conducive to the efficient adsorption of pollutants but also provides active sites for photocatalytic reactions. The three-dimensional space and the network interconnection structure are conducive to the directional migration of photogenerated charges and increase the carrier lifetime. In brief, this work provides a new route to the design and synthesis of CdS/CeO₂/g-C₃N₄ for colorless organic pollutants photodegradation under visible light.