Improving the Photocatalytic H₂ Evolution of CdS by Adjusting the (002) Crystal Facet

Abstract

In general, the activities for H 2 evolution are dependent on the morphologies and exposed facet of semiconductorbased photocatalysts. Here, we reported that CdS with the (002) crystal facet and a small capacitance was vital for enhancing photocatalytic H 2 evolution. After loading CoP as a co-catalyst, the H 2 evolution activity of CoP/CdS-P (particle-like, dominant (002) facet) increased remarkably to 24 600 μmol/(h g), which was 1.28 times that of CoP/CdS-L (leaflike), 2.09 times that of CoP/CdS-R (rodlike), and 5.67 times that of CoP/CdS-S (spherelike). Electrochemical tests and surface photovoltage spectra demonstrated that CdS-P with a large proportion of the (002) facet and the smallest capacitance of 4.31 F/cm 2 leads to the highest separation and transportation of photoexcited electrons. This study reveals the superiority of CdS with the (002) facet and gives an idea to design efficient semiconductor-based photocatalysts with a small capacitance.

Facile synthesis of hierarchical CdS nanoflowers for efficient piezocatalytic hydrogen evolution

“…The diffraction peaks at 24.8°, 26.5°, 28.2°, 43.8°, 47.9°and 51.9°corresponding to the (100), ( 002), ( 101), ( 110), ( 103) and ( 112) crystal planes of cadmium sulfide, respectively, according to the standard diffraction pattern of JCPDS 41-1049. [43][44][45] All peaks can be assigned to the hexagonal phase of cadmium sulfide. Due to the non-centrosymmetric structure of hexagonal cadmium sulfide, it may exhibit piezoelectric properties under mechanical stress.…”

Recent advances in solution assisted synthesis of transition metal chalcogenides for photo-electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

“…277,278 However, Ma et al reported that CdS particles with a large proportion of (002) facets and the smallest specific capacity are an essential factor for improving charge separation and photocatalytic activity. 279 They synthesized CdS with different morphologies and found that CdS particles (CdS-P) with a large proportion of (002) facets and low specific capacitance exhibit the highest photocatalytic activity. Their results indicate (002) facets to be the dominant factor over specific capacitance.…”

Oxygen Vacancies Boost High‐Energy {100} Faceted TiO2 for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B

“…[1,2] Its natural advantages such as high photocatalytic activity, low cost, non-toxic and harmless, and good stability are described as the most suitable photocatalyst. [3,4] However, the low charge transfer efficiency and the disadvantages of only ultraviolet light excitation have always restricted its development. [5][6][7] To this end, many effective strategies have been developed, including doping, semiconductor recombination, defect engineering, crystal plane engineering, etc.…”

“…As an excellent semiconductor photocatalyst, TiO 2 has been widely used in photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants [1,2] . Its natural advantages such as high photocatalytic activity, low cost, non‐toxic and harmless, and good stability are described as the most suitable photocatalyst [3,4] . However, the low charge transfer efficiency and the disadvantages of only ultraviolet light excitation have always restricted its development [5–7] .…”