Enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of metal sulfides via a Co-CdS/Ni5P4 ohmic junction

Abstract

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of earth-abundant metal sulfides offers a promising route for sustainable energy conversion. In this work, we synthesized cobalt-doped CdS (Co-CdS) via in situ sulfidation of CoCd-PBA and successfully constructed a Co-CdS/Ni₅P₄ ohmic-junction composite photocatalyst with porous nanoflower-structured Ni₅P₄. A variety of characterization techniques have confirmed the establishment of an ohmic junction between Co-CdS and Ni₅P₄, accompanied by strong electronic coupling, which significantly enhances photocatalytic performance. This work highlights the potential of co-catalysts and ohmic junctions in improving the performance of photocatalysts, providing a new perspective for designing efficient and stable photocatalytic systems for sustainable hydrogen production.