Abstract

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with different organic ligands are used as precursors for the formation of photocatalysts and their effects on photocatalytic performance are investigated. NiS/CdS composites are synthesized through a facile one-step vulcanization process from Ni-MOF and cadmium salt precursors. Photocatalytic activity of the Ni-MOF-derived NiS/CdS composite is improved significantly comparing with those of CdS, Ni-MOF/CdS and normal NiS/CdS catalysts for hydrogen production from water. The NiS/CdS composite derived from Ni-MOF using terephthalic acid as ligand shows the higher activity than the cases with other ligands. The organic ligand type and electronegativity of Ni-MOF provide uniquely spatial configuration and dynamic action sites for Cd precursor and CdS. The intermediate state between Ni-MOF and CdS helps to tune the formation of NiS/CdS composite and their optical properties including conduction band position. This dynamic template-driven method provides a new way for other photocatalysts with uniform nanoparticles and distinctive heterostructures favoring the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. • The NiS/CdS composite from dynamic template of Ni-MOFs and cadmium salt precursor. • Effect of Ni-MOFs with different ligands on photocatalytic activity of NiS/CdS. • The NiS/CdS photocatalyst from Ni(TPA)-MOFs exhibits superior activity for H 2 . • The electronegativity and compact spatial configuration of Ni-MOFs are essential. • The dynamic template of Ni-MOFs configuration tunes heterojunctions of NiS/CdS composites.

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