Abstract

This paper reports cadmium sulphide nanoparticles-(CdS NPs)-graphene nanocomposite (CdS-Graphene), prepared by a simple method, in which CdS NPs were anchored/decorated successfully onto graphene sheets. The as-synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using standard characterization techniques. A combination of CdS NPs with the optimal amount of two-dimensional graphene sheets had a profound influence on the properties of the resulting hybrid nanocomposite, such as enhanced optical, photocatalytic, and photo-electronic properties. The photocatalytic degradation ability of the CdS-Graphene nanocomposite was evaluated by degrading different types of dyes in the dark and under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, the photoelectrode performance of the nanocomposite was evaluated by different electrochemical techniques. The results showed that the CdS-Graphene nanocomposite can serve as an efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst as well as photoelectrochemical performance for optoelectronic applications. The significantly enhanced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performance of the CdS-Graphene nanocomposite was attributed to the synergistic effects of the enhanced light absorption behaviour and high electron conductivity of the CdS NPs and graphene sheets, which facilitates charge separation and lengthens the lifetime of photogenerated electron–hole pairs by reducing the recombination rate. The as-synthesized narrow band gap CdS-Graphene nanocomposite can be used for wide range of visible light-induced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical based applications.

Highlights

  • In recent years, emergent alarms about energy and environmental problems have encouraged extensive research on solar energy utilization [1,2]

  • cadmium sulphide (CdS) NPs were synthesized using simple, single step method, in which cadmium sulphate (CdSO4) and thiourea CS(NH2)2 were used as the cadmium and sulphur sources, respectively

  • This paper reports well-defined CdS-Graphene nanocomposite synthesized using a facile and single step method, through which intimate interfacial contact between CdS NPs and graphene sheets are achieved

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Summary

Introduction

Emergent alarms about energy and environmental problems have encouraged extensive research on solar energy utilization [1,2]. There are still two prime drawbacks that need to be addressed to improve the photocatalytic performance of bare CdS NPs, such as the high recombination rate of photoinduced electron–hole pairs and photocorrosion To solve these problems, many strategies have been developed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of CdS, including CdS quantum dots [18,19], deposition of noble metallic nanoparticles [20,21], formation of heterogeneous semiconductors, and modification with carbon nanomaterials [20,21,22]. The present study assessed the single step synthesis and application of CdS-Graphene nanocomposite to develop a photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants in water and to improve the photoelectrochemical performance for optoelectronic devices

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