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

In this paper, sodium borosilicate glass SiO2-B2O3-Na2O-ZnO with 2 wt% CdS and 1 wt% TiO2 were prepared by the melt quench technique. For the growth of QDs, single-step heat treatment was given using glass transition (Tg) and glass crystallization (Tc) temperature. Hexagonal and anatase phase of grown CdS and TiO2 QDs were confirmed by XRD pattern. The size of powders was observed by SEM and cluster formation of CdS/TiO2 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.