Microwave-assisted synthesis and enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic property of g-C3N4/Bi2S3 nanocomposite

• g-C3N4/Bi2S3 nano-composites were prepared.
• A facile microwave-assisted synthesis method was used.
• The g-C3N4/Bi2S3 composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance.
• The improved photocatalytic activity was ascribed to the synergic effect between g-C3N4 and Bi2S3.

g-C3N4/Bi2S3 composites have been prepared via microwave-assisted in situ crystal growth reaction and the products exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performances for degrading methyl orange (MO) under visible-light irradiation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results show that the Bi2S3 nanoparticles have good crystallinity and are uniformly deposited on the surface of g-C3N4 sheet. In addition, the size and morphology of the Bi2S3 nanoparticles were found to be mediated by g-C3N4. Optical measurement results evidence that the hybridization of Bi2S3 with g-C3N4 can increase visible-light absorption and facilitate the separation of photo-generated electron–hole pairs, thereby improving the photocatalytic activity of the g-C3N4/Bi2S3 composites. This study demonstrated a new strategy for the design of a heterostructure with favorable photocatalytic property.