Prickly Ni3S2 nanowires modified CdS nanoparticles for highly enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H2 production

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.12.047
• Publication Date: 2017-02-10T00:45:56Z
• Authors: Zhongli Li; Xiaoping Chen; Wenfeng Shangguan; Yanjie Su; Yijian Liu; Xinwei Dong; Poonam Sharma; Yafei Zhang
• Keywords: Visible spectrum

Abstract The photocatalytic water splitting strategy is one of the most promising ways to achieve clean and renewable solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion. In this study, a highly enhanced photocatalytic H 2 production system has been achieved, using CdS nanoparticles (NPs) decorated on prickly Ni 3 S 2 nanowires (NWs) as the light-driven photocatalyst. The photocatalyst was prepared by a co-precipitated method in which spiky Ni NWs were employed as starting material for prickly Ni 3 S 2 NWs. Characterization analysis (XRD, TEM, XPS, etc.) show the high purity of Ni 3 S 2 /CdS hybrid structures and the well deposition of CdS NPs on prickly Ni 3 S 2 NWs. Besides, the as synthesized Ni 3 S 2 /CdS photocatalyst exhibit reduced photoluminescence peak intensity, which means the Ni 3 S 2 NWs functions as electron collector and transporter to quench the photoluminescence of CdS. This prickly Ni 3 S 2 /CdS nanocomposite demonstrates a 70 times higher H 2 production rate than that of pure CdS and a quantum efficiency of 12.3% at the wavelength of 400 nm in the absence of noble metals. This enhanced H 2 production activity is better than the one of CdS loaded with 0.5 wt% Pt. Our findings highlight the potential application of Ni 3 S 2 /CdS hybrid structures for visible light photocatalytic hydrogen yielding in the energy conversion field.