Novel PbS quantum dots sensitized flower-like BiOBr with enhanced photocatalytic properties under visible light

• PbS quantum dots modified BiOBr was successfully synthesized by a reversed-phase microemulsion method.
• PbS particles greatly increased visible light absorption for BiOBr.
• The photocatalyst exhibited flower-like morphology and high activities for organics degradation.

A novel photocatalyst consisting of PbS quantum dots (QDs) coupled with flower-like hierarchical BiOBr was synthesized via a reverse-phase microemulsion process. The deposition of PbS QDs onto the surface of BiOBr was evidenced by characterization of the structure and composition of the composite. The 2% PbS/BiOBr composite photocatalyst exhibited superior activity for Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation, and could degrade about 95.5% of RhB after 60 min under visible light irradiation. The enhancement in photocatalytic activity resulted from the synergistic effect of PbS QDs and BiOBr, where both the light absorption efficiency and the separation of photoegenerated charges were improved in the composite material. The mechanism of separation of the photogenerated electron and holes was discussed.

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