NiS nanoparticle decorated MoS2 nanosheets as efficient promoters for enhanced solar H2 evolution over ZnxCd1−xS nanorods

Abstract

Facilitating charge separation as well as surface redox reactions is central to improve semiconductor catalyzed solar hydrogen generation. Photocatalysts comprising intimately interfaced photoabsorbers and co-promoters for the enhanced photocatalytic efficiency have gained much attention. In this paper, efficient promoters of NiS decorated MoS₂ nanosheets (MoS₂/NiS) coupled with Zn_xCd_1−xS nanorods have been prepared through a convenient hydrothermal method. The as-achieved Zn_0.2Cd_0.8S/MoS₂/NiS nanohybrids exhibited a high solar H₂ evolution activity with a rate of 41.29 mmol g_cat⁻¹ h⁻¹ and the apparent quantum efficiency of 19% at a wavelength of 435 nm. The result represents one of the most active photocatalysts with noble-metal-free cocatalysts. The synergetic effects of MoS₂ and NiS are responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic activity, and the presence of NiS further promotes the photo-induced electron-transfer from Zn_0.2Cd_0.8S to MoS₂. This work opens an avenue for the design of efficient cocatalysts towards the enhancement of photocatalytic performance.