Enhanced interfacial effect via acid theory with boosted photocatalytic performance of nitenpyram removal

Surface reaction is a prominent aspect that affects the efficiency of photocatalysis. In this work, acid theory was employed to facilitate the reaction dynamics and enhance the interfacial effect between photocatalysts and target molecules. The photocatalytic removal efficiency of NTP was 66 % for bare CdS in 50 min with apparent rate constants of 0.023 compare to 96 % with apparent rate constants of 0.065 for 5% Ce–CdS. The introduced Ce atom as bifunctional active site reduces the energy barrier of O2 adsorption, strengthens the interfacial effect and accelerates the electrons transfer, which could facilitate surface reaction process and boost the photocatalytic performance. [Display omitted] •x% Ce–CdS samples were prepared via hydrothermal method and showed enhanced photocatalytic performance.•Introduction of Ce regulate the surface acidity of CdS, promote the adsorption of pollutants.•Doping of Ce accelerate the transfer of electrons.•Modification of Ce reduces the energy barrier of O2 adsorption.•Introduction of Ce strengthen interfacial effect between photocatalyst and pollutants.