Photocatalytic hydrogen production over Na2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotube sensitized by CdS nanoparticles

Abstract Na 2 Ti 2 O 4 (OH) 2 nanotubes were obtained by hydrothermal reaction of TiO 2 with concentrated NaOH solution. CdS nanoparticles were then decorated on Na 2 Ti 2 O 4 (OH) 2 nanotubes through partial ion-exchange method. The composite photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectra (UV–vis), transmission electron microscope (TEM), etc. The results showed that CdS nanoparticles of 5–6 nm were anchored on the surface of the Na 2 Ti 2 O 4 (OH) 2 nanotubes. Under irradiation of visible light ( λ ≥ 430 nm), the prepared CdS/Na 2 Ti 2 O 4 (OH) 2 showed high photoactivity for hydrogen production.