Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution via solar-driven Water splitting by CuSbS2 with different shapes

Abstract

Chalcostibite (CuSbS2) semiconductor catalyst has been intensively preferred towards energy conversion processes because of its suitable bandgap, high absorption coefficient and photocatalytic activity. Herein, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was carried out by using different shapes (Rod (R) and Dot (D)) of copper-antimony sulfides. The hydrogen evolution activities of R-CuSbS2 and d-CuSbS2 were investigated under the visible light irradiation by using eosin-Y (EY) dye and triethanolamine (TEOA) as photosensitizer and an electron donor, respectively. The photocatalytic HER rates of R-CuSbS2 and d-CuSbS2 were determined as 2140 μmolg−1 h−1 and 825 μmolg−1 h−1, respectively. R-CuSbS2 displayed higher photocatalytic activity in comparison with d-CuSbS2. The results of photocatalytic activity belonging to chalcostibite catalysts could be explained by efficient charge separation efficiency of 1D microrod materials.