A novel strategy for the design of Au@CdS yolk-shell nanostructures and their photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Abstract Nanomaterials with well-defined morphologies are of significant interest from fundamental research to technical applications because of their novel physicochemical properties. Here, a novel strategy is developed to fabricate monodisperse Au@CdS yolk-shell nanostructure (YSNs). First, Au@Cd-cysteine core-shell nanostructure (CSNs) are prepared and used as precursors. Subsequently, the Cd-cysteine shells are transformed into CdS hollow nanostructures through anion exchange process. The prepared Au@CdS YSNs have well-defined morphology and exhibit excellent visible light absorption capacity due to their unique structures. Investigations using FESEM, TEM and powder XRD are conducted to monitor the structure evolution and crystallization process. XPS is carried out to further determine the chemical composition and the surface states of the samples before and after sulfidation. The adsorption capacity of Au@CdS YSNs is stronger than that of Au@CdS CSNs. Compared with CdS nanoparticles and Au@CdS CSNs, Au@CdS YSNs exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity for photodegradation R6G solution due to their unique structures and the synergistic effect between Au and CdS. The developed synthetic strategy may inspire the design and fabrication of complex yolk-shell structures for efficiently solar energy utilization.