Z-scheme structure SnS 2 –Au–CdS with excellent photocatalytic performance for simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and methyl orange

A highly efficient Z-scheme photocatalyst SnS 2 –Au–CdS was fabricated by photoreduction and thiourea medium deposition methods. It was found that Au nanoparticles were successfully anchored on the surface of SnS 2 , and CdS nanoparticles were further deposited on the surface Au nanoparticles by the strong interaction of S–Au. Compared to SnS 2 , CdS, SnS 2 –Au, and SnS 2 –CdS, Z-scheme structure SnS 2 –Au–CdS shows the best photocatalytic performance for methyl orange (MO) degradation and Cr(VI) reduction under visible light irradiation. The outstanding photocatalytic performance of SnS 2 –Au–CdS can be ascribed to the special Z-scheme structure which not only improves the separation of photogenerated charge carriers but also preserves its high redox ability. In addition, SnS 2 –Au–CdS exhibited synergistic effects in photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) and MO.