Formation of MS-Ag and MS (M = Pb, Cd, Zn) nanotubes via microwave-assisted cation exchange and their enhanced photocatalytic activities.

A facile microwave-assisted cation-exchange reaction route has been developed to synthesize a series of MS-Ag (M = Pb, Cd, Zn) heterostructure nanotubes (HSNTs) and MS nanotubes. As a demonstration, the as-prepared PbS-Ag HSNTs exhibit significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of Congo red and reduction of Cr(VI).