Preparation, characterization of CdS-deposited graphene–carbon nanotubes hybrid photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity

• CdS-deposited graphene–carbon nanotube composite photocatalyst was prepared for the first time.
• The as-prepared composite photocatalysts show enhanced activity for dye degradation.
• Effect of carbon nanotube amount on the photocatalytic activity was investigated.

CdS-deposited graphene–CNTs hybrid photocatalysts were synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. An enhanced photoactivity was observed for graphene–CNTs–CdS composites compared to graphene–CdS. The improvement was ascribed to the introduction of CNTs, which could reduce the aggregation of graphene and accelerate the electron transmission rate (reducing the recombination of photo-generated holes and electrons). The results also showed that the optimal mass ratio of CNTs: CdS was 2%. The mechanism of the enhancement in photocatalytic activity was also investigated.

CdS-deposited graphene–CNTs hybrid photocatalysts were synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The obtained material showed enhanced activity for dye degradation under visible light irradiation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide