Hierarchical heterostructure of CdS nanoparticles sensitized electrospun TiO2 nanofibers with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

CdS nanoparticles coated on one-dimensional (1-D) TiO2 nanofibers with high photocatalytic activity, hierarchical heterostructure were successfully synthesized by a simple and practical electrospinning-assisted route. The CdS nanoparticles were dispersed within the entire surface of the as-electrospun TiO2 nanofibers, forming the hierarchical heterostructure. And, the composited nanofibers possessed extended light absorption region and lowest recombination rate of the electron–hole pairs. The removal efficiency of methyl blue (MB) over CdS/TiO2 nanofibers, CdS modified P25, TiO2 nanofibers and P25 was 80.8%, 73.4%, 72.4% and 51.2%, respectively. The highest photocatalytic activities over CdS/TiO2 nanofibers might arise from the increased surface area and the favorable electrons-transfer properties. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of MB in the present of Na2S–Na2SO3 as sacrificial agents can be improved by 120% compared to photocatalytic degradation in pure water due to the special redox capacity of suppressing photocorrosion of CdS. It is expected that the present work is notable for understanding the unique properties of the 1-D coupled nanocomposites and applying their practical application in the environmental protection issues.