CdS nanoparticle/functionalized graphene sheet (CdS NP/FGS) nanocomposites were successfully prepared in a one-step hydrothermal synthesis route. The samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of CdS NP/FGS composites and pure CdS in the degradation of methyl orange (MO) was examined using visible light. Results show that the addition of FGS can enhance the photocatalytic performance of CdS NP/FGS composites with a maximum degradation efficiency of 98.1% under visible light irradiation as compared with pure CdS (60.1%). This finding can be attributed to three reasons. First is the strong redox ability of CdS in the nanocomposite with smaller crystal size. Second is the increase in specific surface area for more adsorbed MO. Third is the reduction in electron-hole pair recombination with the introduction of FGS. Based on their high photocatalytic activity, the CdS NP/FGS composites can be expected to be a practical visible light photocatalyst. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.