Nano-CdS confined within titanate nanotubes for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light illumination

CdS nanoparticles were confined within titanate nanotubes (TNTs) by an ion-exchange reaction and a subsequent sulfurization process. Prior to the ion-exchange reaction, the exterior surfaces of the TNTs were modified by a silane coupling agent to make CdS nanoparticles selectively deposit on the inner wall. The composites were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, powder x-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, N-2 adsorption-desorption and UV-vis absorption spectra. The results confirm that CdS in the range of 2-3 nm in diameter are confined within the inner cavity of the TNTs. CdS confined within TNTs shows a significant blue-shift of the absorption band edge compared with CdS nanoparticles deposited on the exterior surface of TNTs. Also the TNTs-confined CdS composite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity and photostability for hydrogen evolution under visible light illumination due to the quantum size effect of CdS as a result of the spatial confinement effect of the TNTs.