Fabrication and characterization of novel graphene/iodine doped CdS nanoplates and their photocatalytic performances

A photocatalyst consisting of graphene/iodine doped CdS nanoplates (G/I-CdS NP) was fabricated using a microwave method. The phase structure, surface morphology, and optical bandgap were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Excellent photocatalytic performance was demonstrated based on the degradation of methylene orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. Therefore, doping of iodine in CdS nanoplates resulted in a bandgap reduction. The coupling of CdS with graphene could effectively suppress the recombination of light-induced electron–hole pairs. As a result, an excellent synergetic effect could be achieved for improved photocatalytic performance. These findings will have a positive impact on the use of metal sulfides for future environment-related applications.