Visible light photocatalytic reduction of 4-Nitrophenol using CdS in the presence of Na2SO3

The photocatalytic properties of CdS semiconductors were investigated for the photoreduction of 4-Nitrophenol with Na2SO3 under blue light irradiation. The materials were synthesized by co-precipitation method in ethylenediamine–water solution and their structural and optical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy and nitrogen physisorption. The CdS semiconductor prepared at higher EN contents (90 vol.%) presented the highest photocatalytic activity for the reduction of 4-Nitrophenol to 4-Aminophenol. Their photo-efficiency enhancement is attributed to the quantum confinement effect caused by the small particle size (∼15 nm).

Photoreduction of the 4-NPhenolate via electron transfer process with CdS under blue light irradiation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► CdS showed small particle size with nanorods like morphology.
► The CdS-90 is an efficient semiconductor using low power blue lamp.
► The highest activity of the CdS-90 is attributed to the quantum confinement effect.
► 4-Nitrophenol photoreduction was achieved using Na2SO3 as a reducing agent.