Graphene-like h-BN/CdS 2D/3D heterostructure composite as an efficient photocatalyst for rapid removing rhodamine B and Cr(Ⅵ) in water

Abstract Graphene-like boron nitride (h-BN) has the large surface area. The h-BN/CdS composite was successfully synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method. In this work, the physical structure, morphology, optic and electronic property of the h-BN/CdS photocatalyst were characterized and explored via XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, UV–vis DRS, EIS and transient photocurrent. The heterojunction between h-BN and CdS could enhance the efficiency of charge transfer and significantly suppress the recombination of electrons and holes. The photocatalytic performance of the h-BN/CdS composite was evaluated by degrading rhodamine B (RhB) and photocatalytic reducing Cr (Ⅵ) ion, respectively. Moreover, 1.0 wt% h-BN/CdS composite could effectively inhibit the agglomeration of CdS nanospheres, which displayed the optimum photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. Meanwhile, 1.0 wt% h-BN/CdS composite had outstanding feature in recycling stability. The results indicated that two-dimensional (2D) h-BN as a substrate of CdS nanospheres was beneficial to prolong photoexcited electrons lifetime. The heterostructure interfaces of the h-BN/CdS composites resulted in photocatalytic performance promotion. However, the excessive h-BN caused the serious aggregation of CdS nanospheres. This work showed a facile method for the rational design of photocatalyst via optimizing their structure and surface.