Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of Bi2S3/SnS2heterojunction

Bi2S3/SnS2heterostructured photocatalysts were synthesized from BiOI, SnCl4⋅5H2O and NH2CSNH2using 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 Bi2S3/SnS2heterostructured photocatalysts were estimated by degrading rhodamine B under simulated sunlight supplied by irradiating with a 350W Xe lamp. Bi2S3/SnS2photocatalysts were prepared using varying percentages of Bi2S3. The sample containing 13% Bi2S3had the most efficient photocatalyst performance among the tested samples. The photocatalytic mechanism involves heterojunctions formed in the Bi2S3/SnS2, which promoted effective separation of photoinduced electrons and holes.