A novel and simple method for the preparation of hexagonal CdS nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and uses in photocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzenes to aminobenzenes using sunlight

Abstract

We report here a simple, efficient, practical, and novel preparation method for the preparation of CdS nanoparticles. As described below, cadmium diethyl dithiophosphate has been used as a 3-in-1 precursor for the synthesis of high-quality CdS nanoparticles using a simple hydrothermal method in water. The presented CdS nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, XRD, EDX, UV and fluorescence spectrometer. The results revealed that the prepared CdS nanoparticles had a hexagonal structure. Photocatalytic reduction activity studies show that the CdS nanoparticles have highly photocatalytic activity toward the reduction of nitrobenzenes to aminobenzenes using sunlight as a light source. Reusability of prepared CdS nanoparticles was successfully examined for three times with very slightly loose of photoactivity. A simple and practical process for the preparation of hexagonal CdS nanoparticles by hydrothermal decomposition of cadmium O,O′-diethyl dithiophosphate (3 in 1) in water and uses in photoconversion of nitrobenzenes to aminobenzenes.