Architecture of CdS Nanostructures on Carbon Allotropes for Superior Photocatalytic Properties

This study investigates a simple method for attaching cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles to carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene sheets (GS) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). The manageable creation of a stable, water-soluble suspension of hybrid nanostructures was obtained through the one-pot solvothermal process. The goal of this work is to explore the potential use of high-yield hybrids of CdS nanoparticles (NPs) with GS/SWCNT as a host matrix for effective photocatalytic dye degradation. The photocorrosion of CdS during the photocatalytic redox process is substantially inhibited by the hybridization of CdS with GS/SWCNT through an interfacial connection. Methylene blue and methyl orange, two well-known water contaminants, are efficiently degraded by prepared nanocomposites when exposed to visible light. There are reports focused on CdS-GS/SWCNT nanocomposites separately for the degradation of organic pollution. However, to the best of our knowledge, comparative investigations have not been sufficiently explored to understand the physico-chemical properties and dye degradation mechanism of both the nanocomposites. The CdS–GS nanocomposite outperformed the CdS–SWCNT under the ideal mass ratio. It is suggested that a bigger contact surface or stronger connection between CdS and GS would speed up and more effectively transfer photogenerated electrons from CdS to GS, increasing the photocatalytic activity.