Temperature-assisted photochemical construction of CdS-based ordered porous films with photocatalytic activities on solution surfaces

Taking a colloidal monolayer floating on the surface of a precursor solution as template, free-standing CdS/Cd composites and pure CdS (CdS-based) ordered porous films had been prepared by a temperature-assisted photochemical strategy. After irradiation with UV-light and heat treatment, the films formed hemi-spherical pores due to the preferable deposition of CdS and Cd onto the PS spheres during the photochemical and interfacial reactions. When the temperature increased from 15 to 60 °C, the air/water interface gradually changed into a vapor/water interface on the surface of the solution, resulting in variations of the final compositions. The optical properties of the films were hence changed. Because of the free-standing characteristic, the ordered porous films were first transferred on surface of polluted solutions as photocatalysts, which was a new mode in application of photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activities of films showed regular variations with the compositions in photodegradation of Rhodamine B. This method provides a simple route for tuning the properties of porous films through control of its composition and a flexible application of films on any surface.

Free-standing CdS/Cd and CdS ordered porous films were controlled to be prepared by a temperature-assisted photochemical strategy. They showed regular variations of photocatalytic activities with changes of compositions.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (56 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Photochemical method was first used to construct semiconductor ordered porous film.
► These films were prepared on a precursor solution surface.
► Temperature could control the type of the interface and the compositions of films.
► Free-standing ordered porous films were first used in photocatalysis.
► Properties of films showed regular variations with the compositions.