Synthesis of CdS/ZnO Hybrid Nanoarchitectured Films with Visible Photocatalytic Activity

A spin-coating method has been employed to prepare crystalline nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films. The CdS nanoparticles are then deposited on the surface via a successive ion adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. Three different concentrations (15, 30, and 50 mM) are used to investigate the effect of various CdS loading on the photocatalytic activity of the hybrid ZnO-CdS hybrid thin films. The transparent crack-free thin films possess fine nanostructures on the top surface, with a fine dispersion of CdS nanoparticles. The highest photocatalytic activity is realized when the concentration is 30 mM. ZnO-CdS hybrid thin films with high surface area, crystalline wall, and low band gap have a great potential as a high-performance material for absorption and degradation of harmful dye molecules such as methylene blue (MB).