Morphology-controlled synthesis of CdSe microspheres on graphene oxide sheets and their photocatalytic properties

Different morphologies of CdSe microspheres have been synthesized on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets by a simple hydrothermal process using Cadmium nitrate and Se powder as the raw materials. The hybrid CdSe/rGO samples were intensively investigated by XRD, EDS, XPS, SEM and UV-vis absorption spectrum. It was found that the EDTA/Cd2+ molar ratio is crucial for the formation of morphology of CdSe grown on rGO sheets. The results of XRD reveal that the as-prepared CdSe microspheres have zinc blend structure. The results of Raman spectra, EDS, XPS and SEM show that the CdSe microspheres are grown on rGO sheets. In addition, UV-vis absorption spectrum indicates that the CdSe/rGO nanocomposites are believed to serve as photosensitizers to extend the absorption spectrum to visible light region. Superior photocatalytic activity of urchin-like CdSe microspheres grown on rGO sheets relative to those of other CdSe/rGO nanocomposites was observed under visible light irradiation. The growth mechanism for the formation of CdSe microspheres grown on rGO sheets was also described.