Fullerene (C60)/CdS nanocomposite with enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability

Herein, the fullerene (C 60 )/CdS nanocomposite has been fabricated by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. Its photocatatlytic hydrogen (H 2 ) evolution rate and degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B (Rh B) are evaluated under visible light irradiation (λ   ≥   420   nm). The content of C 60 has been changed from 0.4   wt% to 8   wt%, and the optimal value for photocatalytic activity is determined to be 0.4   wt%. The H 2 evolution rate over this optimal sample reaches 1.73   mmol   h −1   g −1 and its apparent degradation rate of Rh B is 0.089   min −1 (degradation efficiency of 97% within 40   min), which is 2.3 times and 1.5 times compared to that of pure CdS reference. Moreover, the photocorrosion of CdS in composite is effectively suppressed, and its photocatalytic activity can be well maintained after three recycles (97.8% retaining for composite vs. 84.4% retaining for CdS). Then, the enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability of C 60 /CdS nanocomposite are further studied by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. Results show that the C 60 species covering on the surface of CdS can efficiently accelerate the separation and transfer of photoexcited charge carriers, which can improve its activity, and reduce the photocorrosion of CdS.