A facile route of coupling of ZnO nanorods by CdS nanoparticles using chemical bath deposition

Cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) coupled to zinc oxide nanorods (NRs) were synthesized in a two step deposition process at relatively low temperatures. The ZnO NRs were grown using solvothermal method, followed by the deposition of CdS NPs at 50$^\circ$C in-situ and ex-situ synthesis from aqueous solutions. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and optical absorption. When the ZnO NRs are coated by the CdS NPs, the optical absorption is enhanced and band edge is shifted towards visible region as compared with ZnO NRs. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO NRs / CdS NPs composites in the photooxidation of hydroquinone C$_{6}$H$_{4}$(OH)$_{2}$ in aqueous solution is closely connected with the coupling route.