Preparation of recyclable CdS photocatalytic and superhydrophobic films with photostability by using a screen-printing technique

A PDMS-coated CdS film has been fabricated using a screen-printing technique on common glass without calcination. The assynthesised CdS film exhibits excellent photostability and enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of some organic pollutants, such as RhB, CB, MB, MO and 2,4-DNP. Above all, the CdS photocatalytic film displayed high stability, recyclability and practicability. In addition, the CdS film possesses superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties, and could effectively separate the mixture of water and oil. The coatings can clean themselves by the action of water, and have a property of chemically breaking down complex dirt deposits by a sunlight-assisted cleaning mechanism. The simple fabrication process and easy manipulation of the films cleverly combined superhydrophobicity and photocatalysis, and promise practical applications and industrial use of these materials in environmental remediation.