Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic properties of CdS nanoparticles dotted on the surface of carbon nanotubes

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles dotted on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been synthesized by the polyol method. The as-prepared materials were characterized by x-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller adsorption analysis. The results indicate that CdS nanoparticles with diameter of 5-8 nm are thickly and uniformly coated on the surface of the MWCNTs. The photodegradation of azo dye using these materials was evaluated by the degradation of Brilliant Red X-3B under visible light. The coated nanotubes show higher photocatalytic activity than both CdS alone and a CdS/activated carbon sample; in addition, there is an optimum content of MWCNTs. The presence of MWCNTs can also hamper the photocorrosion of CdS. The mechanism for the enhancement of MWCNTs on the adsorption and photocatalytic property of CdS is investigated for the first time.