Ni(OH)₂ Nanosheet as an Efficient Cocatalyst for Improved Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution over Cd_0.9Zn_0.1S Nanorods under Visible Light

Abstract

Loading cocatalysts to promote spatial charge separation has been confirmed as an effective method for improving photocatalytic hydrogen production. This article reports that the synthesis of Ni(OH) 2 /Cd 0.9 Zn 0.1 S nanorod photocatalyst is suitable for photocatalytic H 2 generation under visible light. It can be proven that the binary photocatalyst exhibits a onedimensional nanorod morphological structure. Ni(OH) 2 nanosheets occupy the top area of Cd 0.9 Zn 0.1 S nanorods. The photocatalytic H 2 production rate can reach 132.93 mmol•h −1 • g −1 , which corresponds to an apparent quantum efficiency of up to 76.5% at a wavelength of 460 nm. In addition, the Ni(OH) 2 nanosheet can aggregate the light-incited electrons of Cd 0.9 Zn 0.1 S, inhibiting the confluence of electrons and holes. The detailed analysis of its mechanism through characterization methods such as photoluminescence and electrochemical measurement shows that the significant improvement in photocatalytic performance derives from the effective spatial separation of photo-induced charge carriers. Therefore, this synthesis strategy of one-dimensional materials may bring new prospects for more efficient, stable, and sustainable photocatalysis for water splitting.

In Situ Photodeposition of Gold Nanoparticles with Exposed High-Activity Crystal Facets under Different Sacrificial Agents

“…Despite the promising potential of photocatalytic water splitting, it faces significant challenges, including low efficiency, limited visible light absorption, and photocorrosion of the photocatalyst. To overcome these hurdles, researchers are actively investigating diverse strategies, such as the formation of heterojunctions, the design of nanostructures, the utilization of co-catalysts, dye sensitization, surface plasmonic enhancement, doping, and defect controlling. − Besides these, a co-catalyst is often employed alongside the photocatalyst to improve the efficiency of both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). These reactions generally suffer from considerable overpotentials, requiring additional energy inputs.…”

ReS2/CdIn2S4–SV Heterojunctions for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

“…Since the Industrial Revolution, traditional energy sources have been depleting and causing severe impact on the global environment. , The urgency of the energy crisis requires the exploration of alternative solutions to traditional energy sources. , Hydrogen, with its high energy density, environmental friendliness, and renewability, holds broad application prospects and is expected to play a pivotal role in future developments. , Among the various hydrogen production methods, photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen generation has long been considered one of the most promising technologies to address environmental pollution and energy shortage. − Metal sulfides, with appropriate band gaps, broad spectral response ranges, and excellent physicochemical properties, such as CdZnS, ZnIn 2 S 4 , and CdIn 2 S 4 , are popular candidates as photocatalysts for water splitting. However, the poor photocorrosion resistance and low efficiency of photogenerated charge carrier separation in metal sulfides, along with the environmental unfriendliness of Cd 2+ , have hampered the catalytic activity and limited research into sulfides …”