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Abstract
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The enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalyst is crucial in fabricating the composites, promoting light harvesting
in the visible range, and producing more reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this research, two approaches
were studied for expanding light trapping and reducing charge recombination. Firstly, the core–shell structure of
CdTe@CdS quantum dots (QDs) was synthesized with unique optoelectronic properties and the ability for light
absorption in the visible range. Then, these QDs were loaded in the structure of fabricated C3N5 nanosheets with
a nitrogen-rich carbon nitride structure. The photocatalytic activity of the CdTe@CdS C3N5 nanocomposite
was assessed for the degradation of organic pollutants from water. Significant enhancement in specific surface
area from 3.35 m2/g for bulk C3N5 to 34.96 m2/g for C3N5 nanosheets confirmed successful exfoliation of the
C3N5. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanocomposite was investigated for the degradation of
Methylene blue (MB) and Tetracycline (TC) as model molecules. Influential factors such as catalyst amount, pH,
scavengers, dye concentration, and catalyst reuse were studied. The maximum degradation efficiency of 99.7 %
and 84 % was obtained for MB and TC with an initial concentration of 10 mg/L in the presence of CdTe@CdSC3N5
0.06 wt% nanocomposite within 60 min of reaction time under xenon light. Also, the stability of the
synthesized photocatalyst was high up to 8 cycles. The photocatalytic reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetic,
in which the hydroxyl radicals play an influential role in the degradation process.
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