Sonochemistry synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic H2-production activity of nanocrystals embedded in CdS/ZnS/In2S3 microspheres

Abstract

ZnS and CdS nanocrystals with a size of 5-10 nm embedded in CdS/ZnS/In(2)S(3) microspheres have been successfully synthesized by a sonochemistry method at room temperature and normal pressure without the use of templates or surfactants. The as-prepared products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), EDX line spectrum, high-angle annular dark-field imaging (HAADF), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The reaction process in the solution under ultrasonic irradiation was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The mechanisms of phase formation and morphology control of CdS/ZnS/In(2)S(3) microspheres are proposed and discussed in detail. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of CdS/ZnS/In(2)S(3) for water splitting was investigated under visible-light irradiation (λ > 400 nm) and an especially high photocatalytic activity (apparent yield is 40.9% at 420 nm) was achieved in the absence of co-catalysts.

Template‐Free Preparation of Volvox‐like CdxZn1−xS Nanospheres with Cubic Phase for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

“…42-1411). [34] It can be seen that the diffraction peaks of the CdS and ZnS sample (Figure 1 A a and g, respectively) are well in conformity with the standard diffraction patterns. These diffraction features of Cd x Zn 1Àx S, appearing at about 26.6, 44.1, and 52.18, corresponded to the (111), (220), and (311) planes of the pure cubic zinc blend phase.…”

Nanoparticle heterojunctions in ZnS–ZnO hybrid nanowires for visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen generation

“…[4][5][6] Further, the coupling of two semiconductors might create interfacial states that induce extra visible-light activity and further facilitate the charge transfer across the heterojunctions. [4][5][6] Further, the coupling of two semiconductors might create interfacial states that induce extra visible-light activity and further facilitate the charge transfer across the heterojunctions.…”

Corrosion‐Mediated Self‐Assembly (CMSA): Direct Writing Towards Sculpturing of 3D Tunable Functional Nanostructures

“…[39] Therefore,itisthe synergistic effect of ZnS and CuS that contributes to the enhanced photocatalysis.G enerally,p hotocatalytic H 2 generation is dominated by the recombination of photoinduced electrons (e À )and holes (h + ), which can be effectively explored by PL emission spectra. [40,41] As indicated in Figure 4c,C uS has ah igh emission at about 364 nm, while ZnS/CuS exhibited the lowest PL intensity, suggesting the e À /h + recombination is greatly suppressed. The intimate heterojunctions between ZnS and CuS promote the interfacial charge transfer,w here photogenerated electrons can migrate easily from ZnS to CuS for the reduction of protons to H 2 .…”