Low-temperature Synthesis of Graphene-CdLa<sub>2</sub>S<sub>4</sub> Nanocomposite as Efficient Visible-light-active Photocatalysts

We report the facile synthesis of graphene-CdLa 2 S 4 composite through a facile solvothermal method at low temperature.The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and BET analysis, revealing the uniform covering of the graphene nanosheet with CdLa 2 S 4 nanocrystals.The as-prepared samples show a higher efficiency for the photocatalytic degradation of typical MB dye compared with P25 and CdLa 2 S 4 bulk nanoparticles.The enhancement of visible-light-responsive photocatalytic properties by decolorization of Rh.B dye may be attributed to the following causes.Firstly, graphene nanosheet is capable of accepting, transporting and storing electrons, and thus retarding or hindering the recombination of the electrons with the holes remaining on the excited CdLa 2 S 4 nanoparticles.Secondly, graphene nanosheet can increase the adsorption of pollutants.The final cause is that their extended light absorption range.This work not only offers a simple way to synthesize graphene-based composites via a one-step process at low temperature but also a path to obtain efficient functional materials for environmental purification and other applications.