Fabrication and optimization of CdS photocatalyst using nature leaf as biological template for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Developing an efficient photocatalyst driven via visible light for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is still urgent. In this work, the unique CdS materials with biomimetic structure were prepared by impregnation-calcination method using biomaterials as templates. Furthermore, the effects of precursor solutions and calcination temperatures on the composition, morphology, optical properties and photocatalytic activity were studied. The results showed that the AL-3 possessed the highest photocatalytic activity with the hydrogen evolution of 8873 μmol g−1 h−1. Moreover, the physicochemical properties-photocatalytic activities relationship was further discussed. This work also provides a feasible method for preparing photocatalysts using natural organisms as templates.