CdS Nanoparticles Decorated 1D CeO[sub.2] Nanorods for Enhanced Photocatalytic Desulfurization Performance

CdS nanoparticles were constructed onto one-dimensional (1D) CeO[sub.2] nanorods by a two-step hydrothermal method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission election microscopy (TEM), Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and UV-Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) techniques were used to characterize these CdS/CeO[sub.2] nanocomposites. It was concluded that when the molar ratio of CdS and CeO[sub.2] was 1:1, the nanocomposites exhibited the best photocatalytic desulfurization activity, reaching 92% in 3 h. Meanwhile, transient photocurrent (PT) measurement, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement indicated that the modification of CeO[sub.2] nanorods by CdS nanoparticles could significantly inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. In addition, the possible mechanism of photocatalytic oxidation desulfurization of the nanocomposites was proposed. This study may provide an effective CeO[sub.2]-based photocatalyst for photocatalytic desulfurization applications.