One-pot decoration of CdS and CdMoO₄ nanoparticles on g-C₃N₄ nanoplates: Boosted photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

Photocatalytic water detoxification has been a hot-spot research field in recent years. In this regard, CdS and CdMoO₄ nanoparticles were decorated on g-C₃N₄ nanoplates via a one-pot hydrothermal route. The morphology, structure, phase, surface properties, electrochemical, and optical properties of the resultant materials were identified by XRD, FT-IR, UV–vis DRS, FESEM, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, EDX, EIS, BET, BJH, and PL analyses. The optimum ternary nanocomposite exhibited boosted activity for degradation of tetracycline (TC), Congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and malachite green (MG) upon visible light, which was 41.6, 29.0, 16.1, 27.4, and 38.2 times higher than pristine g-C₃N₄. The UV–vis DRS, EIS, PL, and BET analyses attributed the boosted activity to the generation of more charge carriers, promoted segregation and transfer of charges, and extended surface area. The quenching experiments confirmed the crucial role of holes and superoxide anion radicals in the degradation reaction. Eventually, based on the outcomes, a probable mechanism for the boosted photocatalytic ability was discussed.