Nanostructured CdS microspheres were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and used as photocatalyst in the degradation of dyes under near UV and blue LED radiation. Nearly complete degradation of methylene blue, phenol red and methyl red was achieved in 3 h. Catalytic performance of the microspheres remained unchanged during five recycling steps. Different modification methods were tested to prevent photocorrosion of the CdS particles. Using glucose as protecting agent gave the most promising results. Furthermore, photocatalysis under LED radiation tested in this study showed quite good energy efficiency, which makes this method economically appealing. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.