Cadmium-based materials with various hydroxide to carbonate ratios and their composites with graphite oxide were synthesized by a fast and simple precipitation procedure and then used as H2S adsorbents at ambient conditions in the dark or upon a visible light exposure. The structural properties and chemical features of the adsorbents were analyzed before and after hydrogen sulfide adsorption. The results showed that the high ratio of hydroxide to carbonate led to an improved H2S adsorption capacity. In moist conditions cadmium hydroxide was the best adsorbent. Moreover, it showed photoactive properties. While the incorporation of a graphene-based phase slightly decreased the extent of the improvement in the H2S adsorption capacity in moist conditions caused by photoactivity, its presence in the composites enhanced the performance in dry conditions. This was linked to photoactivity of CdS that can split H2S resulting in the formation of water in the system. The graphene-based phase enhanced the electron transfer and delayed the recombination of photoinduced charges. Carbonate-based materials showed a very good adsorption capacity in dark conditions in the presence of moisture. Upon the light exposure, CdS likely photocatalyzes the reduction of carbonate ions to formates/formaldehydes. Their deposition on the surface limits the number of sites available to H2S adsorption. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.