CdS-pillared K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀ photocatalysts were synthesized via ion-exchange reaction, butylamine pillaring and sulfuration processes under the assistance of the microwave irradiation. The structure of the photocatalysts was determined by means of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectra (UV-Vis). The photocatalytic activities of these composite compounds for hydrogen production were also investigated under UV and visible light irradiation. The results revealed that the CdS-pillared K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀ photocatalysts prepared under the assistance of microwave irradiation possess the similar crystal structures with that prepared via a traditional waterlogging method. At the same time, microwave irradiation can greatly decrease the preparation time, resulting in less destruction of the layered structure and improve the absorption for visible light. The photocatalytic activities for hydrogen production of the CdS-pillared K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀ photocatalyst prepared via a microwave assisted procedure were 221.53 mmol/(g cat.) and 3.23 mmol/(g cat.) under UV light and visible light irradiation, respectively, after 3 h irradiation. At last, the photocatalysis mechanism was deduced.

Key words: microwave, intercalation, K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀, CdS, photocatalysis