CdS@MoS₂ Hetero-structured Nanocomposites Are Highly Effective Photo-Catalysts for Organic Dye Degradation

CdS@MoS₂ hetero-structured nanocomposites (HSNPs) were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal approach. The morphology and crystal structure of these composites as well as their ability to act as photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The developed CdS@MoS₂ nanocomposites exhibited an 80% degradation rate with 30 min of visible light irradiation. To characterize the basis of the photocatalytic properties of these materials, the transient photocurrent densities were determined for the CdS@MoS₂ HSNPs and pure dendritic CdS nanotrees. The results suggest that the photocatalytic activity may reflect electron transfer between the conduction band maximum of CdS and MoS₂. Additionally, the improved visible light absorption, decreased electron-hole pair recombination, and enhanced surface area for more effective dye absorption likely contribute to improved photocatalytic performance.