Free-standing CuS–ZnS decorated carbon nanotube films as immobilized photocatalysts for hydrogen production

Abstract

Free-standing carbon nanotube films (CNTF) with entangled carbon nanotubes (CNT) were used as conductive supports for the preparation of CuS–ZnS/CNTF composite as immobilized photocatalysts for H2 production. The surface morphology, crystalline property, surface chemistry, and optical properties of the CuS–ZnS/CNTF photocatalysts were investigated. The effects of forming CuS–ZnS heterojunction and conductive CNTF on the separation of photogenerated charges and photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of CuS–ZnS/CNTF photocatalysts were evaluated by the photocatalytic hydrogen production tests. Conductive CNT films can prevent the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. The deposition of CuS nanoparticles on the ZnS/CNTF leads to higher photocatalytic activity which can be attributed to the effective electron–hole separation. Introducing ZnS and CuS makes the photocatalyst surface more hydrophilic. The porous structure contributed to the effective contact between the sacrificing agents and the photocatalysts, leading to enhanced H2 production activity.