Three-dimensional maple leaf CdS/g-C₃N₄ nanosheet composite for photodegradation of benzene in water

In this study, composites of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and maple leaf CdS (CdS/g-C₃N₄) were synthesized by hydrothermal method. To investigate the charge-carrier interface for photocatalytic improvement, CdS/g-C₃N₄ composites in different molar ratios were prepared. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to examine the coupling of the CdS particles to g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (EIS). With a well-defined three-dimensional hierarchical dendrimer-like structure and high purity, as demonstrated by elemental mapping and XRD patterns, optical characteristics were analyzed using UV-DRS, PL spectroscopy, and EIS. When the optical properties of CdS were examined using UV-DRS, PL spectroscopy, and EIS, it was found that the material's high purity and well-defined hexagonal and cubic crystal phase nanostructure were clearly visible. Furthermore, the material's electron-hole recombination rate was significantly reduced. The samples were used to assess the visible light photodegradation of benzene. The maximum benzene degradation and highest stability for up to four cycles were observed in the 40 % CdS/g-C₃N₄ sample. For the combined photocatalyst and degradation process, a Z-scheme was established.