Synthesis, structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of CdS/ZnS core/shell nanoparticles

CdS, ZnS and CdS/ZnS core/shell nanoparticles are prepared by two-step method. The as-prepared nanoparticles are characterized by XRD, TEM, HRTEM, PL, Raman, optical absorption measurements. The prepared samples are used to study the photocatalytic properties. The CdS/ZnS core/shell nanoparticles showed cubic phases of both CdS and ZnS nanoparticles. The Pl spectra exhibited the visible region emissions at room temperature. CdS/ZnS core/shell nanoparticles showed higher photocatalytic activity compared to CdS and ZnS nanoparticles. Due to the closed interface between CdS and ZnS nanoparticles, the recombination of photo generated electron and hole pairs are reduced greatly, which enhanced the photocatalytic properties compared to pure CdS and ZnS nanoparticles.181