Synthesis of visible-light driven CdS/(I/S) composite with efficient photocatalytic activities for dyes and Cr(VI)

CdS/(I/S) composites with different CdS structures were successfully synthesized using Illite/Smectite (I/S) clays as carriers. The photocatalytic properties to dyes and Cr(VI) of CdS/(I/S) composites were analyzed. The results showed that the 20 % CdS/(I/S)-Cauliflower composite exhibited good photocatalytic activities for the degradation/reduction of RhB (89.0 %) and Cr(VI) (90.6 %). Due to the carrier effect by I/S, CdS with smaller size and higher dispersion provided more active sites for the photocatalytic reaction. Cycling experiments showed that the 20 % CdS/(I/S)-Cauliflower composite exhibited good reusability and stability, and the main active species for degradation and reduction were h+ and e , respectively. Moreover, the corresponding photocatalytic mechanism was also proposed. This study provides a new way for clay-based photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.