Among CdS, Rh/CdS, Rh2S3/CdS, and Rh2S,/Rh/CdS, the ternary material, viz., Rh2S3/Rh/CdS, is found to be the most active photocatalyst for the decomposition of aqueous sulfide. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies show that Rh as it is photodeposited on CdS is in the zero oxidation state but is prone to aerial oxidation. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.