Urchin-like CdS microspheres self-assembled from CdS nanorods and their photocatalytic properties

Urchin-like CdS microspheres were successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal route. The CdS microspheres were self-assembled from CdS nanorods with average diameters of about 30 nm and lengths of about 200 nm. The volume ratio of water/ethylenediamine (water/en) played a key role in morphology of products including assembled nanorods and dispersed nanorods. In addition, we characterized the photocatalytic property of the urchin-like CdS microspheres under visible light, which showed good photocatalytic activities. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.