Issue 4, 2011

Twins in Cd1−xZnxS solid solution: Highly efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen generation from water

Abstract

Cd1−xZnxS solid solution with nano-twin structures are synthesized and exhibit superior photocatalytic activities for H2 evolution from water under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 430 nm) without noble metal co-catalysts. Such Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanocrystals show the highest activity for hydrogen evolution with an extremely high apparent quantum yield (AQY = 43%) at 425 nm, achieving a hydrogen evolution rate of 1.79 mmol h−1 without noble metals. The hydrogen evolution rate of 1.70 mmol h−1 was achieved under simulated sunlight conditions (without infrared light). The “back to back” potential formed by parallel nano-twins in the Cd1−xZnxS crystals can significantly improve the separation of the photo-generated electrons/holes (preventing their recombination) thus enhancing the photocatalytic activity. Photodeposition experiments of noble metals strongly support such a mechanism. It is found that noble metals were selectively photo-deposited at central regions between the twin boundaries. The concentration of free electrons at the central region of twins was markedly higher and the twins can effectively separate the H2 evolution sites (electrons) from oxidation reaction sites (holes).

Graphical abstract: Twins in Cd1−xZnxS solid solution: Highly efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen generation from water

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
28 Oct 2010
Accepted
05 Feb 2011
First published
28 Feb 2011

Energy Environ. Sci., 2011,4, 1372-1378

Twins in Cd1−xZnxS solid solution: Highly efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen generation from water

M. Liu, L. Wang, G. (Max) Lu, X. Yao and L. Guo, Energy Environ. Sci., 2011, 4, 1372 DOI: 10.1039/C0EE00604A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements