Fabrication of CdS/BNNSs nanocomposites with broadband solar absorption for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution†
Abstract
In this study, the nanocomposites of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) were fabricated through in situ growing of CdS nanoparticles on BNNSs. The microstructure of the nanocomposites was clearly demonstrated. Compared with pure CdS nanoparticles, CdS/BNNSs nanocomposites show more efficient photocatalytic H2 production. The rate of H2 evolution can be doubled under the optimum conditions. The enhancement of photocatalytic H2 evolution is attributed to the ultrathin BNNSs. It is speculated that the BNNSs not only broaden the photo-absorption region, but also realized effective electronic communication through the connection between CdS nanoparticles and BNNSs. This new finding provides a promising way to design and fabricate more efficient photocatalysts based on BNNSs.