Spatially separated noble-metal-free CdS photocatalyst with redox surface exposure for photodegradation of PPCPs and Cr (VI)

Adequate separation of photogenerated carriers plays an important role in the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. Here, a noble-free spatially separated photocatalyst rGO-CdS-MnO x (GCM) has been designed for removing environmental pollutants efficiently. rGO and MnO x are employed as the collectors of photoinduced electrons and holes, respectively. Under light irradiation, the electrons and holes motivated by CdS can directionally transfer to the rGO and MnO x , leading to the exposure of both reduction and oxidation surfaces, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity. Our results demonstrated that GCM-30 can remove 86.56 % of carbamazepine and 95.83 % of tetracycline hydrochloride within 30 min and 15 min, respectively, and 95.49 % of Cr (VI) within 21 min. Our work demonstrates that this dual functional photocatalyst may provide new strategies for the spatially separated photocatalysts for removing environmental pollutants.