Ti mesh–assisted synthesis of CdS nanoparticle clusters and their enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Herein, CdS nanoparticle clusters (NPCs) were successfully synthesised using a one-step Ti mesh–assisted hydrothermal method. These NPCs had uniform size, were small and comprised of small CdS nanoparticles (NPs). Furthermore, analyses using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy elucidated the synthesis mechanism of CdS NPCs. Compared with CdS NPs, CdS NPCs exhibited a rougher surface and stronger visible light absorption, thus demonstrating more stable photocurrent density under visible light irradiation and, ultimately, higher photocatalytic activity. Overall, the simple and efficient synthesis process of CdS NPCs presents a promising avenue for novel nanomaterial preparation.