Enhanced photosensitized degradation of rhodamine B on CdS/TiO2 nanocomposites under visible light irradiation

•CdS/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method.•Samples prepared at 200 °C, 12 h, CdS/TiO2 = 12% possessed the best activity.•The photosensitized degradation of RhB was largely enhanced by the composite.•The better activity was due to the synergistic effect of the RhB and CdS/TiO2.

Visible-light-driven photocatalysts, CdS/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Their formation and structures were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Taking rhodamine B (RhB) as a model, their photocatalytic activities in aqueous phase under visible light irradiation (420 < λ < 800 nm) were tested. The results showed that the composite of CdS and TiO2 with appropriate oxidation reduction energy levels enhanced the charge separation and extended the absorption response into visible light region. Thus, the photosensitized degradation of RhB was largely enhanced. The degradation mechanism was explored concretely.

Graphical abstractThe photosensitized degradation of RhB was largely enhanced by the synergistic effect of the RhB and CdS/TiO2 nanocomposite. The composite of the two inorganic semiconductors with appropriate oxidation reduction energy levels enhanced the charge separation and extended the absorption response to visible region.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide