Graphene-CdS composite, synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Graphene-CdS (G-CdS) composites were synthesized through a simple solvothermal method. The formed CdS nanospheres were homogeneously scattered on the surface of graphene sheets. Fluorescence quenching effect of the G-CdS composites indicated effective transfer of photo-excited electrons from CdS to graphene, suppressed the recombination of photo-generated electron-hole pairs, so that the enhanced visible light induced photodegradation activity for Rhodamine B (RhB) was achieved. Based on the high photocatalytic activity and well stability, the G-CdS composite containing 70% CdS can be expected to be a practical visible light photocatalyst.

Graphical abstractDownload full-size imageHighlights► Graphene-CdS composites with uniform scattering of CdS on graphene sheets were synthesized by hydrothermal method. ► The graphene-CdS composites demonstrated improved visible light induced photocatalytic activity and well stability. ► The photodegradation mechanism was investigated using fluorescence technique and analyzed from thermodynamics viewpoint.