Study of optical, dimensional, and catalytic properties of nanodispersed CdS–Na2SiO3 powders

Abstract

Composite powders of the CdS–Na₂SiO₃(SiO₂) type were synthesized. It was found that varying the amount of Na₂SiO₃ introduced in the synthesis stage affects both the texture characteristics of the powders obtained and their optical and photocatalytic properties. All the powders absorb electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectral range (~420–620 nm). It was shown for the example of photodestruction of Nile Blue and Rhodamine C dyes that the powders exhibit good photocatalytic properties under exposure to visible light (λ ≥ 410 nm). One of important advantages of the composites used as photocatalysts is that the transfer of cadmium ions under photoirradiation, characteristic of CdS particles, does not occur.