Studies on facile synthesis and properties of mesoporous CdS/TiO2 composite for photocatalysis applications

CdS/TiO2 composites in different ratios were prepared by a simple two-step sol gel route. The morphology, structure and composition of the composite were characterized with various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron microscopy, UV visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Raman spectra and nitrogen adsorption-desorption tests. The results show that the product is in a mesoporous structure with uniformly dispersed particles. In particular, 2% CdS/TiO2 possesses the largest specific surface area of 18.980 m2/g, with a total pore volume of 0.3176 cm3/g and an average pore diameter of 15.51 nm. This sample also delivers the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency of Methyl Orange (MO). Photocurrent measurements reveal the excellent photoelectrochemical properties of the 2%CdS/TiO2 composite. •CdS/TiO2 composites in different ratios were prepared by simple two-step sol-gel way.•CdS/TiO2 composites are in a mesoporous structure with uniformly dispersed particles.•Compared with pure TiO2, 2%CdS/TiO2 shows the optimum photocatalysis methyl orange.•The charge transfer mechanism on CdS/TiO2 composites was discussed.•Photocurrent tests reveal the optimum photoelectrochemical properties of 2%CdS/TiO2.