Sacrificial template method for the synthesis of CdS nanosponges and their photocatalytic properties

Using corresponding metal elemental nanowires as a self-sacrificed template, large-scale nanosponges consisted of curving CdS nanotubes have been successfully fabricated through a gas–solid sulfurization reaction. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectrum. The growth pathway can be described in terms of Kirkendall effect based on the experimental results. Furthermore, the CdS nanotubes exhibit high photocatalytic activity for degradation of the nonbiodegradable rhodamine B under visible irradiations probably due to the accessibility of both inner and outer surfaces through the pores in the walls.