SYNTHESIS OF GRAPHENE/Mn0.2Cd0.8S HIERARCHICAL NANOSPHERES FOR PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF ORGANIC POLLUTANTS

The hierarchically structured hybrids of graphene and Mn0.2Cd0.8S solid-solution, resulting in G/Mn0.2Cd0.8S HN, are successfully synthesized by using microwave method with the assistance of L-Histidine. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are employed to analyze the structural and optical properties. Furthermore, the decoloration of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation indicates that the G/Mn0.2Cd0.8S HN is a promising photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants. Herein, a possible photocatalytic mechanism of G/Mn0.2Cd0.8S is proposed, showing the synergistic influence of hierarchical nanospheres morphology, optimal bandgap and conductive graphene scaffold on photocatalytic activity. Overall, the photodegradation performance is improved due to the effective separation of electron/hole pairs and efficient transportation of photogenerated electrons from Mn0.2Cd0.8S to graphene. The current work demonstrates an environment-friendly route to fabricate multi-component chalcogenides for high-performance photocatalytic applications.