Enhanced photosensitized degradation of rhodamine B on CdS/TiO2 nanocomposites under visible light irradiation

Visible-light-driven photocatalysts, CdS/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Their formation and structures were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Taking rhodamine B (RhB) as a model, their photocatalytic activities in aqueous phase under visible light irradiation (420 < λ < 800 nm) were tested. The results showed that the composite of CdS and TiO2 with appropriate oxidation reduction energy levels enhanced the charge separation and extended the absorption response into visible light region. Thus, the photosensitized degradation of RhB was largely enhanced. The degradation mechanism was explored concretely.