Core/shell structured CdS/polydopamine/TiO2 ternary hybrids as highly active visible-light photocatalysis.

Core/shell structured CdS/polydopamine/TiO2 (CdS/PDA/TiO2) ternary hybrids were fabricated by sequentially coating of PDA and TiO2 on CdS nanospheres through dopamine self-polymerization and TBOT hydrolysis and hydrothermal processes. The reaction rate constants of CdS/PDA/TiO2 ternary hybrids toward the degradation of RhB, MB and phenol were more than 3 times higher than those of CdS/TiO2 hybrids. The remarkably improved photocatalytic activity was attributed to enhanced light absorption and charge carrier separation efficiency associated with the introduction of PDA.