CdS nanoparticles/CeO2 nanorods composite with high-efficiency visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity

• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2015.12.021
• Publication Date: 2015-12-12T10:25:16Z
• Authors: Daotong You; Bao Pan; Fan Jiang; Yangen Zhou; Wenyue Su
• Keywords: Nanorod; Visible spectrum; Nanomaterials; Charge carrier; Crystal (programming language)

Abstract Different mole ratios of CdS nanoparticles (NPs)/CeO 2 nanorods (NRs) composites with effective contacts were synthesized through a two-step hydrothermal method. The crystal phase, microstructure, optical absorption properties, electrochemical properties and photocatalytic H 2 production activity of these composites were investigated. It was concluded that the photogenerated charge carriers in the CdS NPs/CeO 2 NRs composite with a proper mole ratio (1:1) exhibited the longest lifetime and highest separation efficiency, which was responsible for the highest H 2 -production rate of 8.4 mmol h −1 g −1 under visible-light irradiation ( λ > 420 nm). The superior photocatalytic H 2 evolution properties are attributed to the transfer of visible-excited electrons of CdS NPs to CeO 2 NRs, which can effectively extend the light absorption range of wide-band gap CeO 2 NRs. This work provides feasible routes to develop visible-light responsive CeO 2 -based nanomaterial for efficient solar utilization.