Facile synthesis of CdS/C core–shell nanospheres with ultrathin carbon layer for enhanced photocatalytic properties and stability

In this work, we described a facile one-pot hydrothermal process developed to synthesize CdS/C core–shell nanospheres successfully. The as-prepared CdS/C core–shell nanospheres are with 100 nm in diameter and the amorphous carbon shell is with several nanometers in thickness. The phase, morphology and structures of the samples were investigated by X-ray power diffraction (XRD) analyses, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM, JEOL-6700F) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM, JEOL 3010); respectively. The as-prepared CdS/C core–shell nanospheres showed enhanced photocatalytic properties and photostability compared to the single counterpart of CdS nanospheres owing to the efficiently separation of photogenerated electrons (e − ) and holes (h + ) derived from the photocatalyst. In addition, the as-prepared CdS/C core–shell nanospheres might find wide application in wastewater treatment, solar cells, lithium ion batteries, etc.