Issue 43, 2020

Optimal d-band-induced Cu3N as a cocatalyst on metal sulfides for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

The development of highly active and non-noble cocatalysts is crucial for sustainable hydrogen (H2) generation through photocatalytic water splitting. Herein, Cu3N nanocrystals (∼15 nm) have been first used as a cocatalyst coupled with CdS for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution with a rate of ∼4512 μmol g−1 h−1, achieving a dramatic improvement of 851-fold compared to bare CdS. Mechanistic studies revealed that the appropriate d-band center of Cu3N (−1.875 eV) with promoted photogenerated charge carrier kinetics induced its intrinsic activity, as a result of the balance between the adsorption and desorption of H species.

Graphical abstract: Optimal d-band-induced Cu3N as a cocatalyst on metal sulfides for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
12 8 2020
Accepted
13 10 2020
First published
13 10 2020

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 22601-22606

Optimal d-band-induced Cu3N as a cocatalyst on metal sulfides for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Q. Guo, F. Liang, Z. Sun, Y. Wang, X. Li, S. Xia, Z. C. Zhang, L. Huang and L. Wu, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020, 8, 22601 DOI: 10.1039/D0TA07916B

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