Optimization of CdS/TiO2 nano-bulk composite photocatalysts for hydrogen production from Na2S/Na2SO3 aqueous electrolyte solution under visible light (lambda >= 420 nm)

Abstract

A CdS/TiO2 nano-bulk composite photocatalyst consisting of bulky CdS with a high crystallinity decorated with nanosized TiO2 particles was fabricated by precipitation method and sol-gel synthesis. This configuration of the composite photocatalyst exhibited a very high rate of hydrogen production under visible light irradiation (lambda >= 420 nm) from water containing sulfide and sulfite as hole scavengers. In this work, we investigated the physicochemical properties of CdS(bulk)/TiO2 composite photocatalysts and optimized their preparation conditions for the high photocatalytic activity of hydrogen production from water containing Na2S and Na2SO3 as a sacrificial reagents under visible light irradiation. (c) 2006 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.