Combination of α-Fe2O3, CdS and reduced graphene oxide: high-performance and recyclable visible light photocatalysis

A magnetic heterogeneous α-Fe₂O₃/CdS-RGO (RGO: reduced graphene oxide) composite photocatalyst was synthesized using the one-step hydrothermal method. The α-Fe₂O₃ and CdS nanoparticles with a diameter range of 20~60 nm were synchronously loaded/distributed on the surface of RGO. The as-synthesized α-Fe₂O₃/CdS-RGO nanocomposites were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared spectra, BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–Vis diffusive reflectance spectra and Raman spectroscopy. Compared with the pure CdS, α-Fe₂O₃ and α-Fe₂O₃/CdS nanoparticles, the α-Fe₂O₃/CdS-RGO nanocomposites expanded the adsorption range of visible-light, and showed significant photocatalytic performance and cyclic stability for degradation of methylene blue in visible light. Also, the remarkable catalytic performances mainly depend on its special structure of the α-Fe₂O₃/CdS-RGO, which enabled the effective separation of the electron–hole pairs. These attractive features make the α-Fe₂O₃/CdS-RGO nanocomposite to be a photocatalyst with great application potential in water pollutants treatment.