Cd0.9La0.1S/graphdiyne type-II heterojunction structure for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

Most single-component photocatalysts are affected by their own characteristics, such as poor light absorption performance or fast photogenerated carrier recombination rate, resulting in low photocatalytic activity. Due to the unique structural interactions and electron transfer behaviour between different components, two-component catalysts exhibit catalytic activity with greater application potential. In this work, a Cd_0.9La_0.1S/graphdiyne (GDY) dual-component photocatalyst has been prepared. The introduction of GDY into Cd_0.9La_0.1S effectively enhances the light absorption range of Cd_0.9La_0.1S and reduces the photogenerated carrier recombination rate, increasing the hydrogen production of Cd_0.9La_0.1S. The presence of GDY large lamellae has effectively reduced the aggregation degree of Cd_0.9La_0.1S nanoparticles. The increased dispersion has also exposed more active sites, resulting in a larger reactive area for hydrogen production. Hydrogen production of Cd_0.9La_0.1S/GDY is approximately 23 times higher than that of pure Cd_0.9La_0.1S. In addition, it is proposed that the formation of a type-II heterojunction between Cd_0.9La_0.1S and GDY could be the cause of the increase in hydrogen production.