Ag NPs decorated C–TiO2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S Z-scheme heterojunction for simultaneous RhB degradation and Cr(VI) reduction

In this study, heterojunction photocatalysts, XAg@C-TCZ, based on MOF-derived C–TiO and CdZnS decorated with Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were successfully synthesized through hydrothermal and calcination methods. The catalytic effectiveness of XAg@C-TCZ was evaluated by simultaneous photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and reduction of Cr(VI) under simulated sunlight irradiation. The presence of the Z-scheme heterojunction was demonstrated through trapping experiments, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) investigations, and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. With an initial RhB and Cr(VI) concentration of 7 mg L and 5 mg L, the catalyst 10Ag@C-TCZ achieved a simultaneous removal of 95.2% and 95.5% within 120 min, respectively. With the same catalyst, the degradation rate of RhB was 2.75 times higher and the reduction rate of Cr(VI) was 9.3 times higher compared to pure CdZnS. Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis confirmed the extent of mineralization of RhB, while the reduction of Cr(VI) was corroborated by XPS. Compared to pure RhB and Cr(VI) solutions, the reaction rates are smaller in the solution containing both contaminants, which is attributed to the competition for ·O. 10Ag@C-TCZ also exhibited a stable catalytic performance in tap water and lake water. This work provides a new perspective on the construction of heterojunctions with doped MOF derivatives for the purification of complex pollutant systems.