CoP-Embedded Graphitic N-Doped C Nanosheets in Ohmic Contact with S-Deficient CdS Nanocrystals Triggering Efficient Visible-Light Photocatalytic H₂ Evolution

Abstract

Photocatalytic water splitting using semiconductor-based catalysts is a promising avenue to gain H2 fuel from renewable solar energy. Nonetheless, developing earth-abundant and visible-light-responsive photocatalysts for efficient H2 production still remains a huge challenge. In this work, unique two-dimensional hierarchitectures of S-deficient CdS integrated with ultrafine CoP nanocrystals embedding in graphitic N-doped C (CoP-CN) nanosheets are fabricated for the first time. Noticeably, the graphitic CN electron mediator not only enhances the photocatalytic stability of CdS/CoP-CN composites by protecting CoP from external corrosion but also induces the formation of an ohmic junction to boost electron extraction from CdS to CoP efficiently. Meanwhile, the S vacancies in CdS serve as electron traps to further enhance the separation of photogenerated carriers. Such unique CdS/CoP-CN hierarchical hybrid nanosheets exhibited an extraordinary visible-light-induced (λ > 400 nm) photocatalytic H2-evolving performance, delivering a high apparent quantum yield (26.3% at 420 nm) and an excellent H2 generation rate of 54.01 mmol·g–1·h–1, much superior to those of a CdS/CoP Schottky junction, Pt-loaded CdS, and a vast amount of CdS-based photocatalysts ever reported. In addition, the outstanding H2-evolving durability of CdS/CoP-CN composites was verified by cycling and long-term photocatalytic tests. The findings presented here are anticipated to enlighten the rational design and synthesis of highly active photocatalysts with an ohmic junction for application in energy and environment-related domains.

Selective Imines Synthesis by Designing an Atomic-Level Cu–Pt Electron Transfer Channel over CdS Nanosheets

“…In comparison with CdS, the PL intensity of CdS/Cu diminishes, while the PL signal of CdS/Cu/Pt is almost quenched, revealing that the recombination of photoexcited charge carriers in CdS/Cu/Pt is remarkably suppressed compared to those of CdS and CdS/Cu. 67,68 The TRPL spectra and fitting results (Figure S12b and Table S5) also identify that the introduction of the Cu dopant and Pt SAs facilitates the electron transfer in the CdS/Cu/Pt composite. 25,69 To obtain direct insights into the charge transfer pathway in CdS/Cu/Pt, in situ low-temperature EPR spectra have been collected.…”

“…The PL spectra measured under a 405 nm monochromatic light excitation are depicted in Figure d. In comparison with CdS, the PL intensity of CdS/Cu diminishes, while the PL signal of CdS/Cu/Pt is almost quenched, revealing that the recombination of photoexcited charge carriers in CdS/Cu/Pt is remarkably suppressed compared to those of CdS and CdS/Cu. , The TRPL spectra and fitting results (Figure S12b and Table S5) also identify that the introduction of the Cu dopant and Pt SAs facilitates the electron transfer in the CdS/Cu/Pt composite. , …”

Aggregation-Induced Emission Polymers via Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerization

“…Drug delivery systems containing self-guiding carrier molecules for anti-cancer drug treatment became popular in recent years. The use of anti-cancer drugs alone led to an increased possibility of drug resistance development in cancer cells, [195] and the lack of real-time monitoring of the entire delivery system of drug contributed to the limited application in cancer cell treatments. In 2018, Liu, Li and co-workers prepared poly(N 6-carbobenzyloxy-L -lysine)-b -poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (TPE-PLys-b -PMPC) capable of spherical core-shell self-assembly with encapsulation of DOX in the micelle core via hydrophobic interactions for intracellular release and tracking (Figure 10A ).…”

Fluorinated-TiO2/Mn0.2Cd0.8S S-Scheme Heterojunction with Rich Sulfur Vacancies for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

“…At present, metal sulfides are frequently employed in photocatalytic hydrogen generation. For example, CdS with a suitable band gap and conduction band position has become a much studied photocatalyst. − Compared to traditional CdS materials, the Mn x Cd 1– x S solid solution material (MCS) not only exhibits good light corrosion resistance but also shows excellent performance in hydrogen production, attributed to the tunable band gap structure of solid solution sulfides. , Nevertheless, pure MCS still has inherent shortcomings, which include the rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes and low-efficiency charge transfer, which restrict the potential future application in practice of this material. To date, several methods have been employed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of MCS, such as cocatalyst addition, heterojunction structure construction, loading precious metals (Ag, Pt), and defect engineering. , Among them, defect engineering is one of the most effective means of improving the surface activity centers of catalysts.…”