Capsule-like CdS-modified TiO2 nanocomposites with enhanced photodegradation under visible light irradiation

Novel cadmium sulfide (CdS)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposites with uniform ‘capsule-like’ distribution of CdS nanocrystals on TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method and the hot-injection method. The CdS/TiO2 nanocomposites were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The CdS/TiO2 nanocomposites (with Ti/Cd mass ratio of 1:1) exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamine B in water compared with pure TiO2 NPs and CdS NPs under visible light. The product might have potential applications in the cleanup of the environment because of its excellent photocatalytic activity.