Facile synthesis of ZnₓCd₁₋ₓS solid solution microspheres through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis for improved photocatalytic activity

Nanocrystal ZnₓCd₁₋ₓS solid solutions were successfully prepared using a facile and reproducible method of ultrasonic spray pyrolysis with Cd(Ac)₂·2H₂O, ZnCl₂, and thiourea as precursors. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images show that the prepared particles possess microspherical morphology. The band gaps of the solid solutions can be tuned by changing the constituent stoichiometries of Cd and Zn. The X-ray diffraction peaks gradually shift to small angle, and the absorption edge shifts to long wavelength with increasing Cd molar fraction in the solid solution. The sample prepared at the Cd/Zn ratio of 1 : 1 displays the optimal activity by using the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange in the aqueous solution as model reactions under visible light irradiation. This study provides an effective route to prepare spherical ternary photocatalysts with mesoporous structure for further investigations and practical applications. Copyright © 2017 Jianhui Huang et al.