Cr(VI) reduction in presence of ZnS/RGO photocatalyst under full solar spectrum radiation from UV/vis to near-infrared light

Exploring full solar spectrum from ultraviolet (UV) to visible even the near infrared (NIR) wavelength responsive photocatalysts is one of greatly significant issues. Here we show the composite ZnS/RGO (reduced graphene oxide) prepared via a microwave-assisted method for efficient Cr(VI) reduction over the full solar spectrum for the first time. The ZnS/RGO displays high absorption and catalytic activity in the UV, visible and even NIR light region. The introduction of RGO can increase the light absorption, provide more active sites as well as separate and inhibit the recombination of charge carriers, consequently improving the catalytic activity. Only 1 wt.% RGO amount can reduce 90% of Cr(VI) under the radiation of light over the full spectrum. Findings in this work may provide new strategies for the preparation of novel photocatalytic materials in order to expand the utilization range of solar light from UV to NIR energy.