Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of Bi₂S₃/SnS₂ heterojunction

Abstract

Bi 2 S 3 /SnS 2 heterostructured photocatalysts were synthesized from BiOI, SnCl[Formula: see text]5H 2 O and NH 2 CSNH 2 using an economic and simple hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photodegradation activities of the Bi 2 S 3 /SnS 2 heterostructured photocatalysts were estimated by degrading rhodamine B under simulated sunlight supplied by irradiating with a 350[Formula: see text]W Xe lamp. Bi 2 S 3 /SnS 2 photocatalysts were prepared using varying percentages of Bi 2 S 3 . The sample containing 13% Bi 2 S 3 had the most efficient photocatalyst performance among the tested samples. The photocatalytic mechanism involves heterojunctions formed in the Bi 2 S 3 /SnS 2 , which promoted effective separation of photoinduced electrons and holes.