Constructing low-cost Ni3C/twin-crystal Zn0.5Cd0.5S heterojunction/homojunction nanohybrids for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution

The development of low-cost semiconductor photocatalysts for highly efficient and durable photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light is very challenging.In this study,we combine low-cost metallic Ni3C cocatalysts with twin nanocrystal Zn0.5Cd0.5S(ZCS)solid solution homojunctions for an efficient visible-light-driven H2 production by a simple approach.As-synthesized Zn0.5Cd0.5S-1%Ni3C(ZCS-1)heterojunction/homojunction nanohybrid exhibited the highest photocatalytic H2-evolution rate of 783μmol h‒1 under visible light,which is 2.88 times higher than that of pristine twin nanocrystal ZCS solid solution.The apparent quantum efficiencies of ZCS and ZCS-1 are measured to be 6.13%and 19.25%at 420 nm,respectively.Specifically,the homojunctions between the zinc blende and wurtzite segments in twin nanocrystal ZCS solid solution can significantly improve the light absorption and separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs.Furthermore,the heterojunction between ZCS and metallic Ni3C NP cocatalysts can efficiently trap excited electrons from ZCS solid solution and enhance the H2-evolution kinetics at the surface for improving catalytic activity.This study demonstrates a unique one-step strategy for constructing heterojunction/homojunction hybrid nanostructures for a more efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution compared to other noble metal photocatalytic systems.

Nanostructured CdS for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution: A review

Cadmium sulfide(Cd S)-based photocatalysts have attracted extensive attention owing to their strong visible light absorption,suitable band energy levels,and excellent electronic charge transportation properties.This review focuses on the recent progress related to the design,modification,and construction of Cd S-based photocatalysts with excellent photocatalytic H2 evolution performances.First,the basic concepts and mechanisms of photocatalytic H2 evolution are briefly introduced.Thereafter,the fundamental properties,important advancements,and bottlenecks of Cd S in photocatalytic H2 generation are presented in detail to provide an overview of the potential of this material.Subsequently,various modification strategies adopted for Cd S-based photocatalysts to yield solar H2 are discussed,among which the effective approaches aim at generating more charge carriers,promoting efficient charge separation,boosting interfacial charge transfer,accelerating charge utilization,and suppressing charge-induced self-photocorrosion.The critical factors governing the performance of the photocatalyst and the feasibility of each modification strategy toward shaping future research directions are comprehensively discussed with examples.Finally,the prospects and challenges encountered in developing nanostructured Cd S and Cd S-based nanocomposites in photocatalytic H2 evolution are presented.