H2 production using CuS/g-C3N4 nanocomposites under visible light

Abstract

Hydrogen production over a heterogeneous photocatalyst employing visible light is a favorable approach for renewable and sustainable clean energy in large scale. In this contribution, CuS/g-C3N4 nanocomposites have been constructed through a hydrothermal approach at various CuS contents. XRD diffraction findings exhibited that hexagonal CuS was successfully formed and incorporated onto the g-C3N4. TEM images exhibited that CuS nanoparticles are orderly dispersed onto g-C3N4 nanosheet with a spherical shape. The photocatalytic performance of the obtained CuS/g-C3N4 nanocomposites was assessed in the presence of glycerol as holes scavenger for H2 production under visible light illumination. The photocatalytic activity for H2 production was promoted by boosting the CuS contents, and it was increased up to the maximum molecular H2 production value of 12,000 µmol g−1 using 10% CuS/g-C3N4 nanocomposite. The H2 yield is higher ~ 20 and 30 times than either g-C3N4 or CuS. Moreover, H2 production yield increases to 16,000 µmol g−1 with the increase the loading of 10% CuS/g-C3N4 photocatalyst and it is higher ~ 26 and 40 times than either g-C3N4 or CuS, respectively. The 10% CuS/g-C3N4 nanocomposite indicated stability and durability after five times cycles through visible light illumination.