Photocatalytic hydrogen production enhancement of Z-Scheme CdS quantum dots/Ni2P/Black Ti3+–TiO2 nanotubes with dual-functional Ni2P nanosheets

Abstract

The Z-Scheme CdS quantum dots/Ni2P/Black Ti3+–TiO2 nanotubes with dual-functional Ni2P nanosheets are fabricated by a continuously electrospinning-annealing/reduction-chemical deposition method, there, the TiO2 nanotubes are fabricated via electrospinning, subsequently, the 2D Ni2P lamellas grow on the surface of nanotubes and the Ti3+/Ov ions are introduced by reduction, then CdS QDs are deposited on the surface of Ni2P lamellas. Evaluated by the photocatalytic hydrogen production, the photocatalytic performance of Z-Scheme CdS QDs/Ni2P/B–TiO2(~3303.85 μmol/g h) exhibits an obvious enhancement of about ~70 folds than unmodified TiO2. The main reasons for the HER enhancement are ascribed to that the Pt-like behavior 2D Ni2P and Ti3+ ions can accelerate the photo-generated electrons diffusing into water and reduce H2 activation barrier, the Z-Scheme heterojunction can accelerate the separating and transferring of photo-generated charge carriers, the Ov ions and hollow nanotubes can increase solar utilization, which can be supported by the electrochemical measurements.