Fabrication of Noble-Metal-Free Mo2C/CdIn2S4 Heterojunction Composites with Elevated Carrier Separation for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Molybdenum-based cocatalyst being used to construct heterojunctions for efficient photocatalytic H2 production is a promising research hotspot. In this work, CdIn2S4 was successfully closely supported on bulk Mo2C via the hydrothermal method. Based on their matching band structures, they formed a Type Ⅰ heterojunction after the combination of Mo2C (1.1 eV, −0.27 V, 0.83 V) and CdIn2S4 (2.3 eV, −0.74 V, 1.56 V). A series of characterizations proved that the heterojunction composite had higher charge separation efficiency compared to a single compound. Meanwhile, Mo2C in heterojunction could act as an active site for hydrogen production. The photocatalytic H2 production activity of the heterojunction composites was significantly improved, and the maximum activity was up to 1178.32 μmmol h−1 g−1 for 5Mo2C/CdIn2S4 composites. 5Mo2C/CdIn2S4 heterojunction composites possess excellent durability in three cycles (loss of 6%). Additionally, the mechanism of increased activity for composites was also investigated. This study provides a guide to designing noble-metal-free photocatalyst for highly efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution.

Core–shell engineered g-C3N4 @ NaNbO3 for enhancing photocatalytic reduction of CO2

“…In recent years, many studies had also been reported on the construction of heterojunction-type g-C 3 N 4 composites and thus the enhancement of photocatalytic reduction performance [23][24][25]. Heterojunction-type composites were constructed in a number of ways [26][27][28][29]. We found that compared with NaNbO 3 prepared by traditional hydrothermal methods, NaNbO 3 prepared by electrospinning had a larger specific surface area and more surface attachment sites, which were beneficial for the recombination of narrow-bandgap photocatalysts [30].…”

Catalysis in Energy and the Environment: Opportunities and Challenges

“…Here, we aim to briefly introduce and classify these works. The majority focus on the synthesis and mechanisms of photo-/electrocatalysts [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Photo-/electrocatalysis technology has great potential for energy conversion and storage.…”

“…Improving the catalytic activity and stability of photo-/electrocatalysts under industrial conditions is a key problem that restricts their large-scale application. This Special Issue explores the promotion of photo-/electrocatalytic activity by means of morphology control [4], element doping [3], heterojunction construction [6][7][8], oxygen vacancy regulation [1], and optical properties [9], among others. Various approaches to the design and engineering of efficient photo-/electrocatalytic materials are presented.…”