Simplified method for the synthesis of efficient Ohm-Schottky heterojunction photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction and nitrogen fixation

Abstract

Multifunctional semiconductor photocatalyst with Ohmic-Schottky contact heterojunctions for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and nitrogen fixation (NF) were constructed by modifying CdS with bimetallic Co2xNi2(1-x)P (xCNP) and thin layer Ti3C2 (TLTC) containing -Ox rich functional groups. Under the optimal conditions (2 % 0.2CNP@CdS/2% TLTC), it yielded a hydrogen evolution rate of up to 1.72 mmol h−1 and a nitrogen fixation rate of 656.82 μmol L−1 h−1, corresponding to an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 59.81 %. The remarkable HER and NF properties can be attributed to the improved electron transfer efficiency of the double transition metal and the improved surface N2/NH3 adsorption energy. The construction of Ohmic-Schottky contact heterojunctions reduced the HER overpotential and improved the separation efficiency of the photogenerated carriers.