Construction of Z-scheme type CdS–Au–TiO2 hollow nanorod arrays with enhanced photocatalytic activity

The Z-scheme type CdS–Au–TiO2 hollow nanorod arrays have been constructed on glass substrates by following these simple steps: firstly, highly ordered TiO2 hollow nanorod arrays (THNAs) were synthesized by liquid phase deposition (LPD) using ZnO nanorod arrays as templates; then both Au core and CdS shell nanoparticles were achieved on the THNAs by in situ photodeposition. The prepared three-component films were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FSEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), Raman scattering and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum. The results showed that Au–CdS core–shell nanoparticles were well dispersed on wall of anatase THNAs from top to bottom. The three-component nanojunction system was evaluated for their photocatalytic activity through the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution. It was found that the CdS–Au–TiO2 three-component hollow nanorod arrays exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with single (THNAs) and two components (Au-THNAs or CdS-THNAs) systems. Reasons for this enhanced photocatalytic activity were revealed by photoluminescence (PL) results of our samples.