Preparation of highly crystalline quaternary heterostructure catalyst for hydrogen evolution under solar light: Improved photoexcited charge separation

Abstract

Synthesis of Ag/AgVO3@CdS/BiVO4 heterostructure photocatalysts by the photoreduction strategy and tested for H2 evolution under artificial solar irradiation. The effects of Ag/AgVO3@CdS/BiVO4 heterostructure on the crystal phase, visible absorption, morphology, strong interactions, and charge carrier separations were analyzed by series of characterization techniques. Based on photocatalytic test, 1Ag/AgVO3@CdS/BiVO4 exhibited the highest solar light-driven activity for hydrogen production (105,541 μmol/g) and with an apparent quantum yield. As a results, the metallic silver and AgVO3 particles were formed and located on the surface of the monoclinic BiVO4 and CdS nanorods represented as charge carrier bridges and electron tricking centers. The Ag/AgVO3@CdS/BiVO4 heterostructures with suitable oxidation-reduction energy levels could enhance charge carrier separation and engineering a broad spectral response by extending more light absorption capacity. The synergetic phenomenon and plasmonic Ag nanoclusters in this heterostructure favorable for creation of photoexcited electron clouds at CB of CdS.