The one-step hydrothermal synthesis of CdS nanorods modified with carbonized leaves from Japanese raisin trees for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The photocatalytic performance of the semiconductor CdS can be improved with carbon materials capable of limiting photocorrosion and the fast recombination of photogenerated charges. For this purpose, carbon derived from biomass exhibit several advantages including low cost, high abundance, and renewability. Here, photocatalytic CdS nanorods modified with carbon derived from the leaves of Japanese raisin trees were synthesized via a single hydrothermal step. Composite CdS nanorods with 5% biomass-derived carbon photocatalyzed H2 evolution 1.8 times faster than unmodified CdS at a rate of 5.71 mmol g−1 h−1. The apparent quantum efficiency of 5%C/CdS nanorods was 14.96%. Furthermore, the addition of biomass-derived carbon to CdS nanorods augmented the stability of the semiconductor under visible light. The characterization of the composite PC indicated that a larger specific surface area, as well as upgraded charge separation caused by biomass-derived carbon, were involved in the acceleration of photocatalytic hydrogen production.