LAUSR

Abstract Nanohybrids of P5W30 CdS with intimate contact have been synthesized via a facile hydrothermal strategy in presence of l -cystine as sulfur precursor, chelating and anchoring linker molecule. In this process, nanosized CdS can be positively-charged by anchoring NH2 groups in l -cystine structure. Through the electrostatic interaction between the positively-charged amine-functionalized CdS and the negatively-charged Preyssler-type [NaP5W30O110]14− (denoted as P5W30), P5W30 CdS nanohybrids with intimate contact are achieved, which is verified with XRD, IR, TEM, HRTEM, EDS, XPS and UV–Vis spectra. Of particular importance is that P5W30 CdS nanohybrids demonstrate better photocatalytic performance for H2 production and RhB degradation than unhybridized CdS and P5W30 under visible light irradiation. The H2-production activity of CdS is further increased up to 59 times with 8 wt% P5W30 and 0.75 wt% NiS co-loaded, which is attributed to the facilitated charge-transfer between CdS, P5W30 and NiS. The mild, efficient and eco-friendly self-assembly method is versatile and promising for developing photocatalytic hybrid materials.