Abstract
In this study, NiS/ZnIn2S4 nanocomposites were successfully prepared via a facile two-step hydrothermal process. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Their photocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation was also investigated. It was found that the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity over hexagonal ZnIn2S4 can be significantly increased by loading NiS as a co-catalyst. The formation of a good junction between ZnIn2S4 and NiS via the two step hydrothermal processes is beneficial for the directional migration of the photo-excited electrons from ZnIn2S4 to NiS. The highest photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate (104.7 μmol/h), which is even higher than that over Pt/ZnIn2S4 nanocomposite (77.8 μmol/h), was observed over an optimum NiS loading amount of 0.5 wt %. This work demonstrates a high potential of the developing of environmental friendly, cheap noble-metal-free co-catalyst for semiconductor-based photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Highlights
Hydrogen is a clean and green fuel
It was found that NiS/CdS photocatalysts prepared via a simple hydrothermal loading method showed high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution in the presence of lactic acid as sacrificial agent and a high quantum efficiency of 51.3% at 420 nm was obtained in this system
Our recent studies revealed that MoS2, a good electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution [34], can be an effective co-catalyst in promoting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over ZnIn2S4 and MoS2/ZnIn2S4 show even superior performance for hydrogen evolution than Pt/ZnIn2S4 [35]
Summary
Hydrogen is a clean and green fuel. The conversion and store of solar energy in the form of hydrogen by photocatalytic water splitting holds great promise to meet the future energy and environment requirements [1,2,3]. It was found that NiS/CdS photocatalysts prepared via a simple hydrothermal loading method showed high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution in the presence of lactic acid as sacrificial agent and a high quantum efficiency of 51.3% at 420 nm was obtained in this system.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
