Homogeneously distributed CdS nanoparticles in Nafion membranes: Preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic properties

Stable crystalline CdS nanoparticles were synthesized in Nafion ionomer membranes by using thioacetamide (TAA) as a nonionic precursor. Unlike the ionic precursors such as Na2S, TAA could diffuse into the cationic-exchangeable ionomer membranes much more uniformly. This led to the formation of homogeneously distributed CdS nanoparticles in the Nafion membranes, which was confirmed by elemental mapping with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis. Results from the characterizations on the physical properties, the chemical stability, and the photocatalytic properties of these CdS nanoparticles embedded in Nafion membranes are presented and discussed. The parallel data from the CdS nanoparticles in Nafion membranes prepared from the ionic Na2S precursor are also shown for comparison.