Photocatalytic hydrogen production over Na2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotube sensitized by CdS nanoparticles

Na2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotubes were obtained by hydrothermal reaction of TiO2 with concentrated NaOH solution. CdS nanoparticles were then decorated on Na2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotubes through partial ion-exchange method. The composite photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible spectra (UV–vis), transmission electron microscope (TEM), etc. The results showed that CdS nanoparticles of 5–6 nm were anchored on the surface of the Na2Ti2O4(OH)2 nanotubes. Under irradiation of visible light (λ ≥ 430 nm), the prepared CdS/Na2Ti2O4(OH)2 showed high photoactivity for hydrogen production.