Constructing a Type-II CdS/Bi₂MoO₆ Heterostructure: Promoting Photocatalytic Degradation of Contaminants

Constructing a heterostructure is regarded as one of the most favorable approaches to attaining the separation ability of photogenerated carriers and strengthening photocatalysis efficiency. In this study, a CdS/Bi₂MoO₆ type-II heterostructure was constructed through a hydrothermal technique. The photocatalytic test result shows that the degradation efficiency of rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline (TC) over CS/BMO-1 was 100 and 92% under visible light, respectively, which is the highest compared to other samples. The exceptional photocatalytic efficiency is principally associated with generating an inherent electric field within a type-II heterostructure, effectively restraining the recombination of photogenerated electron hole pairs. The intermediate products during the photocatalytic degradation of RhB and TC were identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the hypotheses were formulated regarding the corresponding photodegradation mechanisms. Furthermore, the outcomes of capture tests exhibited that the primary active species were ^•O₂^- and h⁺, and a mechanism of the photocatalytic degradation procedure has been proposed.