Mesoporous CdS nanoparticles: Synthesis and photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Mesoporous nanomaterials are considered advanced functional materials because of their large specific surface area and short charge transfer distance. Herein, CdS nanoparticles with a mesoporous structure (CdS MNPs) were prepared using an in situ templating method. CdS/Cd–Cys hybrid nanoparticles were converted to CdS MNPs through sulfidation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data demonstrated that CdS MNPs were formed through anion exchange. Due to enhanced light absorption and a larger specific surface area, CdS MNPs exhibited a 2.6 times higher photocatalytic rate than CdS nanoparticles. The proposed strategy for the synthesis of CdS MNPs is helpful for fabricating sophisticated nanostructures.