Hierarchical Z-scheme Bi2S3/CdS heterojunction: Controllable morphology and excellent photocatalytic antibacterial

[Display omitted] •Hierarchical Z-scheme Bi2S3/CdS heterojunctions are assembled by Bi2S3 nanowires and CdS nanoparticles.•The dandelion-like Bi2S3/CdS shows efficient bacteria-killing under visible light irradiation.•The promoted active centers and enhanced interfacial carriers transfer contribute to the efficient antibacterial. The hierarchical nanostructure can significantly increase photocatalytic centers and enhance light harvesting. In this study, a series of hierarchical Z-scheme Bi2S3/CdS heterojunctions with solvent-dependent morphologies are synthesized by a solvothermal method. The Bi2S3/CdS nanostructures synthesized in ethylene glycol (BC-EG) and N, N-dimethylformamide (BC-DMF) are assembled by Bi2S3 nanowires and CdS nanoparticles. Notably, the photocatalytic efficiency of BC-DMF for the antibacterial of E.coli and S.aureus is 100.00 % and 93.85%, respectively. The improvement of photocatalytic activity by BC-DMF is mainly ascribed to the increased photocatalytic active centers, enhanced photo-induced carriers separation and transfer between Bi2S3 and CdS as a Z-scheme heterojunction and the relatively suitable Bi2S3/CdS ratio. This study can provide an insight into constructing Z-scheme hierarchical photocatalysts for antibacterial.