CdS/TiO2 heterojunction in glass matrix: Synthesis, characterization, and application as an improved photocatalyst.

In this paper, sodium borosilicate glass SiO 2 -B 2 O 3 -Na 2 O-ZnO with 2 wt% CdS and 1 wt% TiO 2 were prepared by the melt quench technique. For the growth of QDs, single-step heat treatment was given using glass transition (T g) and glass crystallization (T c) temperature. Hexagonal and anatase phase of grown CdS and TiO 2 QDs were confirmed by XRD pattern. The size of powders was observed by SEM and cluster formation of CdS/TiO 2 QDs was studied by FESEM. EDS pattern confirms the elemental composition which was used during synthesis. The structural changes due to heat treatment were explored by FTIR study. The growth of QDs and size determination was done by HRTEM. An increase in the size of QDs with annealing time was confirmed by optical absorption and emission spectra. Photocatalytic activity of Cd3:3 h (5.33 μm) and Cd3:5 h (3 μm) is investigated by degrading indigo carmine (IC) dye and degradation efficiency was found to be 85.30% and 91.64% respectively for 5 h. Unlabelled Image • CdS/TiO 2 QDs were grown in glasses by single step heat treatment. • CdS improves the absorbing capability of TiO 2 QDs in visible light. • Effect of CdS/TiO 2 QDs doped glass powder size on IC dye degradation is tested. • Synthesized CdS/TiO 2 QDs doped glasses showed better efficiency for the IC dye degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]