Influence of sulfur and cadmium sources on the nanostructure and photo activity of solvothermal CdS

摘要

CdS is one of the most studied photocatalyst material, since it has a narrow band gap (2.4 eV) suitable for the production of hydrogen from aqueous solutions containing sulfur reagents under visible light. Photoactivity of CdS nanostructures depends on its crystalline phase, crystal structure, morphology and size [1] and, therefore the control of the nanostructure of CdS is subject of intense research. CdS nanostructures with a high degree of crystallinity can be produced by the solvothermal route using ethylenediamine or other amines as solvents. The experimental variables used in the solvothermal synthesis of CdS (temperature, solvent, Cd precursor and sulfur source) determine the characteristics of the formed CdS nanostructures [2]. In this work we aim to study the influence of the type of sulfur source and the type of Cd salt precursor on the structure, morphology and surface characteristics of the nanostructures of CdS and their influence on the photoactivity under visible light.