CdS/LaFeO_(3) heterojunctions with improved optical properties for visible-light catalytic applications

Construction of heterojunctions is a normal and effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic performances of semiconductors,through which both the lifetime and the redox ability of electrons/holes can be improved,as co mpared to the respective component.On this basis,we constructed Z-scheme CdS/LaFeO_(3) heterojunctions(CdS/LFO),by in-situ growing different amounts of CdS on the surface of LaFeO_(3),for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride(TC)in aqueous solution at room temperature.The crystal structure,surface morphology and optoelectronic properties of the COS/LFO heterojunctions were systemically characterized to correlate the reaction activity.Photocatalytic tests indicate that the CdS/LFO heterojunctions exhibit promising activity for TC degradation under visible light irradiation(λ≥420 nm),with 85%TC conversion obtained at reaction time of 45 min,which is 3.4 and 1.9 times higher than that of CdS and LaFeO_(3).The CdS/LFO heterojunctions are also stable in the reaction and can be reused for four cycles with no appreciable activity loss.The applicability of CdS/LFO to photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes,as well as the reaction mechanism,was also explored.