CdS@NiCo-LDH hybrid photoelectrocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity: A convenient and stable hybrid for wastewater treatment

In many wastewater treatment processes, the discovery of cost-effective electrocatalysts is very important for photoelectrocatalytic reactions. This paper reports a suitable method for the synthesis of high efficiency hybrid photoelectrocatalyst consisting of NiCo layered double hydroxide and CdS, called CdS@NiCo-LDH. 3-D CdS@NiCo-LDH electrode was fabricated on a nickel foam using hydrothermal synthesis. The synthesized electrode showed high specific surface area, efficient electron transportation, and long-term stability. The pH, bias potential, reaction temperature, and dye concentration were evaluated for the degradation of Allura Red in aqueous solution using the synthesized photoelectrocatalyst. TOC and COD of the dye solution were also investigated. The layered architecture of the CdS@NiCo-LDH composite provided more accessible surface for the diffusion of dye and gaseous molecules. The photoelectrocatalyst exhibited excellent stability in the degradation process and the results proved the efficiency of the suggested procedure for dye degradation. • CdS@-NiCo-LDH Hybrid electrocatalyst is prepared through a facile method. • CdS@NiCo-LDH hybrid photoelectrocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity. • More active sites and high charge transfer efficiency are due to the 3D core-shell electrode. • The CdS@NiCo-LDH catalyst by interface engineering of layered double hydroxide: a convenient, stable, and scalable approach to bifunctional wastewater treatment. • This method can be employed to develop other catalysts based on transition metals.