Ni0.8Co0.2/Zn0.8Cd0.2S/g-C3N4 ternary nano-photocatalyst for improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 evolution and pollutants degradation

Abstract

This study aims to enhance the photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for visible light H2 evolution and pollutant degradation by creating Ni0.8Co0.2/Zn0.8Cd0.2S (ZCS)/g-C3N4 (CN) ternary nano-photocatalyst. Ni0.8Co0.2/ZCS/CN is produced via chemical reduction and hydrothermal methods. The morphology, structural characteristics, and photocatalytic characteristics of the nano-photocatalyst were assessed by FE-SEM, EDS, HR-TEM, BET, XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis DRS, PL, EIS and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Photocatalytic water splitting and degradation of methylene blue (MB, C16H18N3SCl) in an aqueous solution were carried out under an LED lamp (100 W, 400 nm–700 nm) irradiation for 4 and 3 h, respectively. Considering the test results, the H2 evolution rate of Ni0.8Co0.2/ZCS/CN was measured at 1980 μmol/g.h, which demonstrates an astonishing 1980-fold increase in comparison with g-C3N4. Additionally, the degradation efficiency of MB equals 85 % within 3 h. The improved catalytic performance of Ni0.8Co0.2/ZCS/CN is primarily attributed to forming of a heterojunction between Ni0.8Co0.2/ZCS and g-C3N4 nanosheets, facilitating the separation and migration of photoexcited charge carriers. Consequently, this ternary nano-photocatalyst can be a potential photocatalytic material for H2 evolution under visible light. This research offers guidelines for developing novel heterojunction catalysts that are highly efficient and environmentally friendly.