Effect of Cation Exchange Time on the Morphology and Photoactivity of CdS/Ag2S Composites for Ciprofloxacin Degradation

• Published in: Physica status solidi. A, Applications and materials science Applications and materials science, 2022-04, Vol.219 (7), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Pham, Ngoc Bao Tri, Dang, Vinh Quang, Pham, Kim Ngoc, Tsai, Cheng-Kuo, Nguyen, Thanh Tam, Tran, Cong Khanh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalytic activity; cation exchange reaction; Cation exchanging; CdS/Ag2S; ciprofloxacin degradation; Composite materials; Electromagnetic absorption; Heterostructures; Nanorods; Photocatalysis; Photodegradation; Reaction time
• ISSN: 1862-6300; 1862-6319
• DOI: 10.1002/pssa.202100634

Herein, the effect of reaction time in the cationic exchange method on the CdS/Ag2S structure and photocatalytic activity is investigated. A hydrothermal approach is used to produce CdS nanorods, and then a cation exchange method is applied to synthesize CdS/Ag2S composites. The heterostructure between CdS and Ag2S is determined by the X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies. Comparing pure CdS NRs and CdS/Ag2S by the UV–vis diffuse reflection spectra data, the introduction of Ag2S is proven to enhance the light absorption in visible region. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method indicates that CdS and CdS/Ag2S are mesopore materials and the specific surface areas of CdS, CdS/Ag2S‐15, CdS/Ag2S‐30, and CdS/Ag2S‐60 samples without and with a cation‐exchange reaction time of 15, 30, and 60 min are 305, 900, 187, and 52 m2 g−1, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of CdS/Ag2S is examined through the ciprofloxacin photodegradation. The ciprofloxacin degradation rate increases with the introduction of CdS and reached a maximum value of 60% within 180 min for CdS/Ag2S‐15 under simulated sunlight irradiation, which is 1.5 times greater than that of pure CdS. The ciprofloxacin degradation rate decreases as the cation‐exchange reaction time is increased to 60 min (26% after 180 min illumination). Herein, the effect of reaction time in the cationic exchange method on the CdS/Ag2S structure and photocatalytic activity is investigated. A hydrothermal approach is used to produce CdS nanorods (NRs), and then a cation exchange method is applied to synthesize CdS/Ag2S composites. The photocatalytic activity of as‐prepared CdS/Ag2S with the optimal synthesizing condition is examined through the ciprofloxacin photodegradation.