A photocatalytic active CdS-TiO₂ heterostructure composite was prepared by hydrothermal method and its morphology and properties were characterized. Results indicate that the CdS nanoparticles deposited on the surface of a TiO₂ nanoparticles, which was in anatase phase. The particle scale of both of the components reached approximately 15 nm. In comparison to pure TiO₂ (410 nm), the light absorption edge of the heterostructure composite was 550 nm, which could extend the light response from UV to the visible region. Under visible light irradiation, the degradation efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride by the CdS-TiO₂ composite achieved 87.06%, significantly enhancing photocatalytic activity than the as-prepared pure TiO₂ and commercial TiO₂ (Degussa P25). This character is attributed to the synergetic effect of these two components in the absorption of visible light.
Keywords: CdS-TiO2 heterostructure composite; photocatalyst; tetracycline hydrochloride.