Recent advances in the TiO2/CdS nanocomposite used for photocatalytic hydrogen production and quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells

Solar energy is considered the most promising energy source for the future. Nanocomposites of TiO2 and CdS (denoted as TiO2/CdS) compose a class of materials with potential application in the photocatalysis and photovoltaic industry due to simple compositions, easily controlled microstructures and high extinction coefficients. TiO2/CdS nanocomposites with different microstructures have been designed and prepared over the past 30 years, and their performance for photocatalytic hydrogen production through water splitting and quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells was studied. This paper reviewed recent advances in the TiO2/CdS nanocomposite. The preparation, microstructure and application of the TiO2/CdS nanocomposite powder, TiO2/CdS nanocomposite film, and TiO2/CdS-based multiple nanocomposite and the interfacial charge transfer between TiO2 and CdS were introduced and summarized. Future developments of the TiO2/CdS nanocomposite were also discussed.