Core-shell structure CdS/TiO2 for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic organic pollutants degradation

CdS modified mesoporous titania core-shell spheres (CdS/CS-TiO2) with enhanced visible-light activity were synthesized by an in situ method. This method included two steps: planting CdO into the framework of anatase TiO2 core-shell spheres and then converting it to CdS by ion-exchange. The physicochemical properties of the obtained samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electronic micrograph, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra and nitrogen sorption. The in situ strategy resulted in CdS quantum dots highly dispersed in CS-TiO2 without destroying the mesoporous core-shell structure. Compared with CS-TiO2, the as-synthesized samples exhibited stronger visible-light absorption capability and greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of Rhodamine B and 4-chlorophenol aqueous solution under visible light irradiation (lambda > 420 nm).