Efficient photochemical hydrogen production under visible-light over artificial photosynthetic systems

Abstract

Photosynthesis of green plants provides an effective blueprint for transform solar energy into useful hydrogen energy. Thereinto, their hierarchical structures are favorable to the light-harvesting. Meanwhile, the functional components (light-harvesting pigments) can absorb visible wavelengths of sunlight, and offer reaction center for the energy transform. Inspired by these, we contrive an artificial photosynthetic system for the high efficiency of H2-production rate by introducing a similar functional structure (reticular hierarchical structure) and component (CdS/Pt–TiO2). The CdS/Pt–TiO2 with hierarchically reticular structure is prepared by transforming wings into TiO2 via a sol–gel process, and depositing Pt and CdS nanoparticles onto the TiO2 substrate by photoreduction and chemical bath deposition method, respectively. Contributing to the couple effect of reticular hierarchical structure and ternary hybrid composition, CdS/Pt–TiO2 nanocomposites exhibit high visible-light photocatalytic H2-production rate (12.7% apparent quantum efficiency obtained at 420 nm). This concept provides a new horizon to exploit solar energy for sustainable energy by imitating the photosynthesis process from structure and ingredients.