Synergistic precise construction of all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunctions by electrospinning and photo-deposition for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Severe recombination of photogenerated carriers and inefficient transfer rate have become the key factors limiting photocatalytic hydrogen production. Herein, we constructed a delicately structured and highly efficient photosystem by decorating TiO₂ nanofibers with Pt/CdS nanoparticles via a green synthesis method. Benefiting from the dual-facilitated all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction and internal Pt nanoparticles, such a ternary composite achieves effective spatial separation of photoinduced electrons and holes. As expected, the optimized TiO₂–Pt–CdS photocatalyst exhibits superior activity in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (4.02 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹), representing 279% and 1335% improvement compared with TiO₂–CdS (1.06 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹) and TiO₂ (0.28 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹), respectively. The rational structural design of the nanofiber composite, strong interfacial interaction, and Pt nanoparticles at the TiO₂–CdS interface promote the formation of a built-in electric field and enhanced charge transport, which can drive the directional migration of charges with high redox ability and high speed. This work provides a promising design strategy for photocatalysts with improved solar conversion efficiency.