Highly efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution and degradation properties over NiO/Mn0.5Cd0.5S S-scheme photocatalyst

Abstract

Well-designed and high-performance S-scheme photocatalysts for the fabrication of green hydrogen are of significant practical significance in solving the environmental and energy crises. In this study, NiO/Mn0.5Cd0.5S S-scheme heterojunctions were triumphantly prepared by electrostatic adsorption, and the formation of energy band bending and internal electric field at the interfacial contact site between NiO and Mn0.5Cd0.5S resulted in a good photogenerated carrier separation ability and enhanced hydrogen reduction performance and Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation performance. The hydrogen production rate of NiO/Mn0.5Cd0.5S S-scheme heterojunction was enhanced to three folds of the unitary Mn0.5Cd0.5S, with an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 15.28% at 400 nm and a degradation rate of 91.5%. In addition, the NiO/Mn0.5Cd0.5S S-scheme heterojunction has enhanced and sustainable hydrogen precipitation and RhB degradation performance.