Hybrid metal–Cu2S nanostructures as efficient co-catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Abstract

In this communication, we present a new synthesis method for the fabrication of hybrid metal–Cu₂S (M = Pt, FePt) nanocrystals (HNs). The metal–Cu₂S HNs were investigated in photocatalytic hydrogen generation as effective co-catalysts on TiO₂. The Pt–Cu₂S/TiO₂ catalyst showed a higher hydrogen generation rate compared with a pure TiO₂ catalyst. This enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effects between Cu₂S and Pt, which significantly improve the light absorption ability and the charge separation activity.