CdS–ZnO composite nanorods: Synthesis, characterization and application for photocatalytic degradation of 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid

Well-aligned arrays of CdS–ZnO composite nanorods were grown on indium tin oxide substrates. ZnO nanorods, deposited by a low temperature aqueous chemical growth technique, were dip coated with CdS. The CdS–ZnO nanorods were polycrystalline as confirmed from the low angle X-rays diffraction study. Photon to current conversion efficiency of CdS–ZnO composite nanorod was observed to be higher than that of CdS. In the micro-Raman spectrum, we observed longitudinal optical modes of CdS and ZnO showing their co-existence. The appealing application of CdS–ZnO nanorod as a visible photocatalyst was demonstrated and the possible mechanism was discussed.