Design of Carbon Quantum Dots/CdS/Ta3N5 S-Scheme Heterojunction Nanofibers for Efficient Photocatalytic Antibiotic Removal

Abstract

Photocatalytic pollutant removal provides a competitive manner for wastewater purification. The exploration of efficient and durable photocatalysts is significant for this technique. Integrating carbon quantum dots and S-scheme junction into one system represents an effective strategy for achieving the outstanding photocatalytic efficacy. In comparison to S-scheme junction, photocatalysts combining carbon quantum dots and S-scheme junction harness the merits of both, thus holding greater potential. Herein, a multicomponent fibrous photocatalyst of carbon quantum dots/CdS/Ta₃N₅ that incorporates S-scheme heterojunction and carbon quantum dots is developed for high-efficient destruction of levofloxacin antibiotic. The as-prepared carbon quantum dots/CdS/Ta₃N₅ heterojunction nanofibers manifest a significantly strengthened photocatalytic levofloxacin degradation activity, with the rate constant (0.0404 min⁻¹) exceeding Ta₃N₅, CdS/Ta₃N₅, and CdS by 39.4, 2.1, and 7.2 folds. Such remarkable photocatalytic performance is credited to the unique 1D/0D/0D core-shell heterostructure with compact-bound hetero-interface, which favors the synergistic effect between carbon quantum dots modification and S-scheme junction. This work offers a new way for developing new Ta₃N₅-based heterojunctions for environmental remediation.

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