Photocatalytic production of hydrogen in systems based on Cd x Zn1–x S/Ni0 nanostructures

Abstract

A relation was established between the composition of Cd x Zn1–x S nanoparticles and their ability to accumulate excess negative charge during irradiation. The rate of expenditure of the accumulated charge depends on the composition of the nanoparticles and is determined by their electric capacitance. A correlation was found between the photocatalytic activity of the Cd x Zn1–x S nanoparticles in the release of hydrogen from solutions of Na2SO3, their composition, and their capacity for photoinduced accumulation of excess charge. It was shown that Ni0 nanoparticles photodeposited on the surface of Cd x Zn1–x S are effective cocatalysts for the release of hydrogen. It was found that ZnII additions in photocatalytic systems based on Cd x Zn1–x S/Ni0 nanostructures have a promoting action on the release of hydrogen from water–ethanol mixtures.