Self-supported construction of 3D CdMoO4 hierarchical structures from nanoplates with enhanced photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) CdMoO₄ hierarchical structures constructed by single-crystalline nanoplates were prepared by a facile hydrothermal route. The obtained samples were systematically characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The morphology modulation of the as-prepared products could be easily tuned by changing the concentration of reactants, reaction temperature, molybdenum source, pH value and reaction time. The formation process of CdMoO₄ hierarchical structures was related to the two-step growth, in which CdMoO₄ main nanoplates were formed first in the synthesis, followed by self-construction of small nanoplates on both side of the main nanoplates in a regular fashion. The photocatalytic activities of CdMoO₄ hierarchical structures and nanoplates for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation were also evaluated. CdMoO₄ hierarchical structures constructed by nanoplates have a higher photocatalytic activity toward photo-degradation of RhB than that of CdMoO₄ nanoplates, mainly due to their unique morphology and high crystallinity.