Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Bi2MoO6/CdS/Ni ternary heterojunction: Role of Mott Schottky barrier and 2D-2D nanostructure for superior photodegradation of 2-aminophenol

Sania Kanwal; Eiman Astam; Mehr-Un Nisa; Rabia Nawaz; Ali Bahadur; Ammar Zidan; Shahid Iqbal; Muhammad Saad; Sajid Mahmood; Nasser S Awwad; Hala A Ibrahium

doi:10.1016/j.saa.2024.125131

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Bi₂MoO₆/CdS/Ni ternary heterojunction: Role of Mott Schottky barrier and 2D-2D nanostructure for superior photodegradation of 2-aminophenol

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2025 Jan 15:325:125131. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.125131. Epub 2024 Sep 16.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences (SNS), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan.
² Nanomaterials Research Center, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, Zhejiang Province, China; Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
³ Biomedical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technologies, Al-Mustaqbal University, 51001, Babylon, Iraq.
⁴ Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences (SNS), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁵ Centre for Organic and Nanohybrid Electronics, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 22B, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland; Joint Doctoral School, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁶ Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo 315100, China; Functional Materials Group, Gulf University for Science and Technology, Mishref 32093, Kuwait. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁷ Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, PO Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia.
⁸ Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, PO Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia.

PMID: 39303339
DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.125131

Abstract

A unique heterojunction combining Bi₂MoO₆/CdS with Ni nanoparticles has been synthesized using the solvothermal method. This novel heterojunction, composed of NSs and NRs, was characterized using XRD, Raman, SEM, TEM, STEM, EDX, XPS, UV, and PL techniques. The synthesized heterojunctions exhibited substantial photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of 2-aminophenol, significantly outperforming their single-metal counterparts. The photocatalytic efficiency of the tripartite sheet and rod composite was about 26 and 16 times higher than that of the separate CdS sheets and rods for the reduction of 2-aminophenol. The primary reactive species for photocatalytic degradation were identified as the holes of Bi₂MoO₆ and the electrons of CdS. The Mott Schottky barrier established between CdS and Ni nanoparticles prevents the transfer of electrons from Ni nanoparticles back to CdS, allowing Ni nanoparticles to efficiently capture electrons and prevent any backward flow. This, in turn, results in enhanced photocatalytic activity. The improved photocatalytic capability is ascribed to the S-scheme heterojunction between Bi₂MoO₆/CdS, which promotes better separation of electrons and holes. The Mott Schottky barrier between CdS and Ni also ensures a more abundant electron supply for chemical reactions, minimizing potential losses. The 2D-2D nanostructure morphology of Bi₂MoO₆ and CdS extends the surface area, enhancing light utilization and providing more active reaction sites. The synthesized heterojunction demonstrated impressive stability over three cycles, highlighting its potential for recycling and repeated use.

Keywords: Bi(2)MoO(6)/CdS-Ni heterojunction; Mott-Schottky barrier; Photocatalytic activity; Photodegradation; Recyclability.