Quantum-dot sensitized hierarchical NiO p-n heterojunction for effective photocatalytic performance.

A facile and low-cost pseudo successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction technique was used to deposit cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs) on hierarchical nanoflower NiO to form an effective and intimate NiO/CdS p-n heterojunction system. The synthesized hierarchical p-n heterojunctions demonstrated effective photocatalytic activity due to the enhanced separation and transport of photogenerated charge carriers compared to standalone NiO. The dye degradation efficiency of optimized CdS QDs that form p-n heterojunctions was examined by rhodamine B and methylene blue dyes under UV-vis irradiation.