ZnFe2O4 decorated CdS nanorods as a highly efficient, visible light responsive, photochemically stable, magnetically recyclable photocatalyst for hydrogen generation

Abstract

Charge separation, protection of photocatalysts from hole attacks, and easy recyclability, which are of paramount importance in the development and applications of highly efficient and photochemically stable nanosized semiconductor photocatalysts, were achieved simultaneously by paramagnetic ZnFe2O4 nanocrystal decorated CdS nanorods. The photo-induced holes of CdS tend to migrate to the photochemically stable ZnFe2O4 domain while the photo-induced electrons of ZnFe2O4 tend to migrate to the photochemically more active CdS domain, achieving CdS protection and electron-hole separation. Decoration of ZnFe2O4 nanocrystals on CdS nanorod surfaces was achieved with a solvothermal process, giving a highly efficient, visible light responsive, photochemically stable, magnetically recyclable photocatalyst for hydrogen generation through water splitting. Specific hydrogen evolution rates as high as 2.44 mmol g(-1) h(-1) were achieved with the present product under visible light illumination, with its long term stability demonstrated.

High activity of Ag-doped Cd0.1Zn0.9S photocatalyst prepared by the hydrothermal method for hydrogen production under visible-light irradiation

“…The rate for hydrogen production was slightly increased in the second run, suggesting that the Ag(0.01)-doped Cd 0.1 Zn 0.9 S sample might experience a photochemical activation process. The similar phenomenon was also reported to occur on CdS/ZnFe 2 O 4 photocatalyst during the photocatalytic hydrogen production [27]. In order to understand the possible photochemical activation process occurred on the Ag(0.01)-doped Cd 0.1 Zn 0.9 S sample, the used sample was characterized by DR UV–visible spectroscopy.…”

Facile fabrication of In2O3/Bi2WO6 heterostructured microbelts with enhanced photocatalytic activity

“…However, the high recombination rate of the photogenerated electron/hole pairs still affects its photocatalytic activity and the construction of heterojunction photocatalysts by coupling of two semiconductors with appropriate band edges has been a significant approach to hinder the recombination of electrons and holes to enhance the visible-light activity [19][20][21].…”

How Robust are Semiconductor Nanorods? Investigating the Stability and Chemical Decomposition Pathways of Photoactive Nanocrystals

“…20−22 Decoration of CdS nanorods with MFe 2 O 4 (M = Zn or Co) also results in photochemically stable and magnetically recyclable photocatalysts. 23,24 Beyond these numerous straightforward photocatalytic observations, relatively little is known about the general chemical and thermal stability, degradation, and reactivity of semiconductor nanorods in the presence of different reagents or extreme conditions. Tributylphosphine shortens the length of CdSe nanorods, nanowires, and tetrapods through axial etching.…”