Photocatalytic hydrogen production over Na 2Ti 2O 4(OH) 2 nanotube sensitized by CdS nanoparticles

Abstract

Na 2Ti 2O 4(OH) 2 nanotubes were obtained by hydrothermal reaction of TiO 2 with concentrated NaOH solution. CdS nanoparticles were then decorated on Na 2Ti 2O 4(OH) 2 nanotubes through partial ion-exchange method. The composite photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectra (UV–vis), transmission electron microscope (TEM), etc. The results showed that CdS nanoparticles of 5–6 nm were anchored on the surface of the Na 2Ti 2O 4(OH) 2 nanotubes. Under irradiation of visible light ( λ ≥ 430 nm), the prepared CdS/Na 2Ti 2O 4(OH) 2 showed high photoactivity for hydrogen production.