CdS NRs Research Articles

Boosting visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 production by optimizing surface hydrogen desorption of NiS/CdS–P photocatalyst

Metal chalcogenides are regarded as favorable H2-evolution cocatalysts; however, they often exhibit unfavorable H desorption characteristics due to the strong affinity of nascent H and highly electronegative S sites, which significantly inhibit H2 generation. To address this issue, a general approach to electron-enriched control of sulfur-active sites is developed for weakening the strong interaction of S–H bonds. This is achieved through the formation of a nanostructured model composed of NiS/CdS–P, in which the surface phosphorus (P) atoms are incorporated in CdS NRs to create an imbalanced charge distribution and a localized built-in electric field in the crystal structure of CdS. In this situation, the built-in electric field not only separates the photogenerated electron hole pairs, but it also accelerates the photogenerated electrons from the CdS–P conduction band to the NiS surface for rapid hydrogen reduction rather than hydrogen adsorption. Photocatalytic tests show that the resultant NiS/CdS–P photocatalyst displays a significant H2-generation rate of 44.39 mmol g−1 h−1 and an apparent quantum efficiency of 41% at 420 nm. Valance band XPS analysis shows that CdS–P has a higher electron density than CdS, leading to the production of electron-rich Sδ− active centers. This better photocatalytic hydrogen generation might be due to the synergistic impact of tailoring the intrinsic built-in electric field for the acceleration of photogenerated charges by P-doping and the fabrication of a NiS cocatalyst for hydrogen reduction rather than hydrogen adsorption. The concept of optimizing the electron densities of active sites by morphology tailoring, with an extra built-in electric field, gives a method for rationally constructing artificial photocatalysts for solar power conversion.

Electrostatically induced Furfural-Derived carbon Dots-CdS hybrid for solar Light-Driven hydrogen production

Carbon dots (CDs) exhibit distinctive optical, electronic, and physicochemical properties, rendering them effective cocatalysts to enhance the photocatalytic performance of light-absorbing materials. The interplay between CDs and substrates is pivotal in manipulating photogenerated charge separation, transfer, and redistribution, significantly influencing overall photocatalytic efficiency. This study introduces a novel electrostatic interaction strategy to interface positively charged CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) with negatively charged furfural-derived CDs. The resulting optimized composite (25-CDs@CdS NRs), showcases photocatalytic hydrogen production at a rate of 1076 μmol g−1h−1. Experimental analyses and theoretical simulations offer insights into the structure–activity relationship, underscoring the crucial role of enhanced electrostatic interaction between CDs and CdS NRs in facilitating efficient charge transfer, activating reaction sites, and improving reaction kinetics. This research establishes an adaptable strategy for integrating CDs with metal-based semiconductors, opening new avenues for developing photocatalytic hybrid assemblies.

S-vacancies mediated piezo-phototronic effect for high-performance self-powered photoelectrochemical sensing based on CdS nanorod array/Ce-metal-organic framework heterojunction

A self-powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform was constructed for sensitive detection of tetracycline (TC) based on sulfur-vacancy engineered CdS nanorod arrays/Ce-metal-organic frameworks heterojunction (CdS NRs/Ce-MOF) with piezo-phototronic effect. CdS nanorod arrays were used as the piezoelectric generating unit and S-vacancy was introduced to coordinate the piezoelectric polarization, which could generate piezo-potential to inhibit the recombination of the electrons and holes. Moreover, the introduction of Ce-MOF could broaden the photoabsorption region, and facilitated the transfer of electrons because of the construction of the heterojunction. Due to the combination of defect engineering, piezo-phototronic effect and heterostructure, the photocurrent of the as-fabricated CdS NR/Ce-MOF heterojunction was enhanced by 4.3-fold than that of bare CdS NR. Hence, a sensitive sensing system based on the CdS NRs and Ce-MOF was established for TC detection with the assistance of aptamer. The results showed that the sensing signal was linear with the negative logarithm of the target TC concentration in the range of 1 × 10−14 - 1 × 10−8 M, and the detection limit was 1.47 × 10−15 M. Moreover, the sensor had a good anti-interference ability and stability. Such work provides inspiration for future work on monitoring pollutants in the environment.

Synthesis, structure, and catalytic behavior for hydrogen evolution of a binuclear triazendio-palladium(I) complex

The reaction of 1,3-bis[(2-chloro)benzene]triazene (HL) and PdCl2 affords a binuclear triazenido-palladium complex, [Pd2L2], which has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Investigations show that this palladium complex can serve as a catalyst for both electrochemical and photochemical driven hydrogen evolution. Under an overpotential (OP) of 837.6 mV, 535 moles of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour (mol H2/mol catalyst/h) is afforded from an electrolysis of a neutral buffer with [Pd2L2]. With blue light (λ = 469 nm) irradiation, together with CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) as a photosensitizer, and ascorbic acid (H2A) as a sacrificial electron donor, [Pd2L2] can catalyze hydrogen generation with a turnover number (TON) of 15130 moles H2 per mol of catalyst (mol of cat−1) during 48 h irradiation in a heterogeneous environment. The average value of apparent quantum yields (AQYs) is as high as 33.91%.

Water flow induced piezoelectric polarization and sulfur vacancy boosting photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide evolution of cadmium sulfide nanorods

Piezo-photocatalytic H2O2 production utilizing earth-abundant solar and mechanical energies, oxygen and water is a highly appealing route to produce renewable energy carriers. However, piezoelectric polarization always suffers from high-frequency mechanical vibration, which severely restricts its actual applications. Here, we report prominent piezo-photocatalytic H2O2 evolution from pure water triggered by low-frequency water flow induced mechanical stress over 1D CdS nanorods with sulfur vacancy (CdS NRs). The polar CdS NRs possess benign piezoelectric property and favorable morphology, enabling high sensitivity and respond to weak force of water flow, which contribute to yielding large piezoelectric polarization for photogenerated charges separation. Piezoelectric polarization also shows an inhibition effect on the photocorrosion of CdS to ·SO3-. Besides, DFT calculations demonstrate that sulfur vacancy allows enhanced O2 adsorption and formation of the intermediate *OOH on the surface of CdS. Under simultaneous visible light and high-speed stirring, CdS NRs display a remarkably synergetic piezo-photocatalytic H2O2 production (1631.4 µmol g−1 h−1) without any sacrificial agents, 2.4 and 73.8 times of that under sole visible light and mechanical agitation, respectively. Importantly, it achieves an apparent quantum efficiency (AQY) of 1.32% at wavelength up to 500 nm and a solar-to-chemical (STC) conversion efficiency of 0.05% under one-sun illumination, which far exceeds other reported sulfide-based catalysts. This work integrates well with polarization engineering, defect engineering and morphology engineering to enhance catalytic behavior, providing a feasible strategy for designing efficient piezo-photocatalysts sensitive to weak mechanical forces.

Low cost, portable voltammetric sensors for rapid detection of nitrate in soil

The excessive use of nitrate fertilizer in agriculture has been a serious problem causing giant economic loss and environment pollution. Therefore, nitrate sensing in soil is very important for environment and agriculture. In this work, we develop a rapid sensing platform for on-site nitrate detection, which is composed of an easily conducted extraction filter (ECEF) and a sensing element based on cadmium sulfide nanorods (CdS NRs) modified screen printed electrode (CdS NRs-SPE). Nitrate extraction from soil can be easily conducted by ECEF in 3 min using a syringe coupled with a filter. The extracted solution is subsequently injected onto the CdS NRs-SPE, which can directly detect nitrate in neutral media within 10 min. The detection limit of nitrate is 2.3 μM (S/N = 3) and a linear range from 0.05 to 5 mM. Moreover, the CdS NRs-SPEs are portable, low cost (3 dollars), and can be reused for over one month without significant loss of the performance, implying its promising application for intelligent nitrogen-management and developing precise fertilization in modern agriculture.

Cooperation of congenital and acquisitus sulfur vacancy for excellent photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide evolution of CdS nanorods from air

Photocatalysis over semiconductors for producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) due to its renewable and sufficient sunlight as driving force has attracted more attention. However, the H2O2 evolution performance that is severely dependent on surface structure of photocatalysts is still inferior. Here we design sulfur vacancies (Sv)-rich CdS nanorods (CdS NRs), and disclose that the congenital Sv and acquisitus Sv in-situ created in the reaction process co-contribute to the efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production. The CdS NRs with abundant congenital Sv exhibit higher carrier separation efficiency and remarkably stronger O2 adsorption ability. Importantly, we discover that the Sv concentration in all the CdS serial samples increases after the H2O2 evolution reaction compared with that before photocatalytic reaction, and the increase level of acquisitus Sv concentration inversely correlates with congenital Sv concentration. Theoretical calculations confirm that the O2 adsorption energy on the surface of CdS NRs with Sv (−0.723 eV) is much lower than that of defect-free CdS (1.293 eV). Optimized by the two types of Sv, CdS NRs-24 h delivers a superior photocatalytic H2O2 production rate of 2974.7 μmol g1h−1 under visible light, far exceeding the previously reported sulfide photocatalysts. This work is anticipated to offer new perspectives into designing and understanding of sulfides for photocatalytic H2O2 evolution.

Developing a built-in electric field in CdS nanorods by modified MoS2 for highly efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production

Light-driven O2 reduction reaction is regarded as a green and simple approach for H2O2 production in contrast with the industrial process. Along these lines, CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) were fabricated by the solvothermal method and modified by MoS2 in this work. From the Kelvin probe measurements, the existence of a built-in electric field (BEF) was demonstrated. The electric field that was developed at the interface between CdS and MoS2 could elevate the separation efficiency of the photo-induced electron-hole pairs, ensuring a high photocatalytic H2O2 production performance. Moreover, the incorporation of MoS2 provides a much larger active area and improves the stability for long-time utilization. The CdS NRs/MoS2 composites also display especially improved capacities for the efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production with 1350 μM h−1. A novel and feasible strategy is introduced to enhance the photocatalytic H2O2 production activity of CdS NRs, which will be beneficial to H2O2 evolution in actual applications.

Catalytic hairpin assembly-mediated Cu2O nanocubes as the competitive dual-quenching tags for photoelectrochemical bioassay of miR-141

MicroRNAs (miR) as newly identified biomarkers are closely associated with various cancers, and sensitive monitoring of abnormal miR is great importance in cancer diagnosis. In this work, a novel photoelectrochemical biosensor was developed to sensitively detect miR-141 by the competitive dual-quenching of catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA)-dependent Cu2O nanocubes (NCs) toward β-CD-functionalized CdS nanorods (β-CD@CdS NRs). The biosensing platform was constructed by the stepwise assembly of β-CD@CdS NRs and adamantane-labeled hairpin DNA probe 1 on ITO electrode. In the presence of miR-141, CHA recycling was triggered to immobilize the capture DNA-labeled Cu2O NCs with the aid of hairpin DNA probe 2. The assembly of Cu2O NCs could largely reduce the photocurrent response of CdS NRs based on the competitive consumption of light energy and electron donor. The designed biosensor showed a wide linear range (1.0 pM–100 nM) and a detection limit of 0.47 pM, as well as excellent selectivity and satisfactory stability. Based on the above outcomes, the proposed biosensing device was also applied to miR-141 analysis in human serum with the recoveries ranging from 95.9 % to 104.7 %, achieving a great prospect in clinical application.

Realizing Efficient Photoelectrochemical Performance for Well-Designed CdS@ZnIn2S4 Heterostructure Photoanode with Directional Interfacial Charge Transfer Dynamics

Designing a heterostructure photoanode with an appropriate band alignment, a beneficial charge migration pathway, and an adequate interfacial coupling is crucial for photoelectrochemical (PEC) energy conversion. Herein, we fabricate a hetero-nanostructure photoanode with CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) and two-dimensional (2D) ZnIn2S4 nanosheets (ZIS NSs) via a two-step in situ growth method on FTO glass to acquire a sufficient interfacial contact between two semiconductors. Based on their electronic band structures, the CdS is designed to be firstly grown on FTO to act as a photoelectron transport layer and 2D ZIS is further fabricated on the CdS as a photohole accumulation layer to directly contact the electrolyte. Benefitting from the Type II band alignment between the CdS and ZIS, such a heterostructure significantly enhances the separation efficiency and prolongs the lifetime of photocarriers. More importantly, it ensures that photoholes accumulate on the 2D ZIS with a highly exposed surface area for an oxidation reaction at the surface-active sites, while the photoelectrons transfer to counter electrode for hydrogen evolution. The optimum CdS@ZIS heterostructure photoanode exhibits a superior PEC performance with a photocurrent of 4.19 mA/cm2 at 1.23 VRHE (two times that of the CdS and eight times that of ZIS) and an applied bias photo-to-current efficiency (ABPE) of 1.93% at 0.49 VRHE. This work can inspire the future design of heterostructure photoanodes for highly efficient solar energy conversion.

Bismuth quantum dots anchored one-dimensional CdS as plasmonic photocatalyst for pharmaceutical tetracycline hydrochloride pollutant degradation

Earth abundant metal based plasmonic photocatalysis is one of the most proficient approaches to degrade the emergent organic pollutants in contaminated water. Here, we report that using one-dimensional CdS/zero-dimensional Bi quantum dot (QD) heterostructures (1D/0D CdS/Bi HSs) were obtained via a simple solvothermal reaction. The results specified that the Bi QDs were grown onto CdS NRs through the reduction of Bi3+ ions. The Bi modified CdS HSs were employed as a photocatalyst for pharmaceutical pollutant tetracycline degradation and the optimized sample showed the maximum photocatalytic degradation activity of 90% under visible light radiation within 60 min, which is greater than the pure CdS (52%) under identical conditions. Based on the structural characterizations and degradation efficiency, the obtained CdS/Bi is a promising photocatalyst for the treatment of wastewater which contains emerging pollutants such as organic dyes and pharmaceutical antibiotics during the industrial processes. The boosted photocatalytic degradation efficiency is credited to the doped Bi3+ species; surface plasmon resonance effect that raised from metallic Bi QDs and proficient photoinduced charge carriers separation.

A novel all-solid-state S-scheme in CdS/ZnTHPP binary nanosystem for hydrogen evolution

The development of a highly active and stable hydrogen evolution photocatalyst is a key issue for achieving efficient and comprehensive water splitting, and it is still challenging for the scientific community and practical applications. Herein, we build up a novel visible-light-driven S-scheme in CdS/ZnTHPP binary nanosystem by simple sintering process ensuring the fast transfer of the photo-generated carriers, showing dark green upon simulated sunlight irradiation. Under an optimal condition, the highest hydrogen evolution turnover number (TON) reaches around 22,264 during 128 h irradiation, and the H 2 evolution rates of the best CdS/ZnTHPP binary nanosystem was boosted up to a 400 mmol/g under irradiation for 8 hours with a conversion rate over 10-fold-higher than that of pristine CdS NRs. The macrocyclic compound serves as a region of electron absorption assisting the fast and continuous consumption of photo-generated electrons in this system, thereby concurrently alleviating the recombination of electron-hole pairs. Theoretical analyses reveal that the active sites and the generation of H 2 are controlled by the thermodynamic process. This new finding provides a new approach to rationally designing an efficient solar-to-chemical conversion system. A novel visible-light-driven Z-scheme in CdS/ZnTHPP binary nanosystem was built up by a simple sintering process ensuring the fast transfer of the photo-generated carriers, showing a robust hydrogen evolution performance. • A novel visible-light-driven Z-scheme in CdS/ZnTHPP binary nanosystem was built. • The best H 2 evolution rate of CdS/ZnTHPP was 400 mmol/g under irradiation for 8 hours. • Theoretical analyses reveal the active sites and the generation of H 2 are controlled by the thermodynamic process.

Effect of Cation Exchange Time on the Morphology and Photoactivity of CdS/Ag2S Composites for Ciprofloxacin Degradation

Herein, the effect of reaction time in the cationic exchange method on the CdS/Ag2S structure and photocatalytic activity is investigated. A hydrothermal approach is used to produce CdS nanorods, and then a cation exchange method is applied to synthesize CdS/Ag2S composites. The heterostructure between CdS and Ag2S is determined by the X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies. Comparing pure CdS NRs and CdS/Ag2S by the UV–vis diffuse reflection spectra data, the introduction of Ag2S is proven to enhance the light absorption in visible region. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method indicates that CdS and CdS/Ag2S are mesopore materials and the specific surface areas of CdS, CdS/Ag2S‐15, CdS/Ag2S‐30, and CdS/Ag2S‐60 samples without and with a cation‐exchange reaction time of 15, 30, and 60 min are 305, 900, 187, and 52 m2 g−1, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of CdS/Ag2S is examined through the ciprofloxacin photodegradation. The ciprofloxacin degradation rate increases with the introduction of CdS and reached a maximum value of 60% within 180 min for CdS/Ag2S‐15 under simulated sunlight irradiation, which is 1.5 times greater than that of pure CdS. The ciprofloxacin degradation rate decreases as the cation‐exchange reaction time is increased to 60 min (26% after 180 min illumination).

A novel cobalt complex of bptd and cobalt lactate complex to synergistically enhance photocatalytic HER activity and stability on CdS nanorods

A heterocycle 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (bptd) as a polydentate reacts with CoCl2∙6H2O and NiCl2·6H2O to form two novel monomeric complexes, [Co(bptd)2Cl2]∙4H2O (1) and [Ni(bptd)2Cl2]∙4H2O (2). The complex 1 can act as electron cocatalyst to improve the rate of hydrogen evolution of CdS NRs under visible light irradiation. After the introduction of cobalt lactate complex as a hole cocatalyst, this noble-metal-free system exhibited a hydrogen evolution rate of 1123 ​μmol ​h−1, which is 12.2 times higher than that of pure CdS NRs. This system could work for 50 ​h with a TON of 7490, and the average AQY is 17% at 420 ​nm. Based on the results of experiments, the synergistic effect of complex 1 and cobalt lactate complex is proved and a possible mechanism for hydrogen production is proposed. This work may provide a reference for remedying the defects of faster carrier recombination and photocorrosion of CdS in heterogeneous environment.

An infinite chain, {[Ni(tn)2]3[Fe(CN)4(μ-CN)2]2}n, a new catalyst for electrochemical-driven water splitting and photochemical-driven hydrogen evolution from water under blue light

A new catalyst for both water reduction and oxidation, based on an infinite chain, {[Ni(tn)2]3 [Fe(CN)4 (μ-CN)2]2}n, is formed by the reaction of NiCl2, 1,3-propanediamine (tn) and K3 [Fe(CN)6]. {[Ni(tn)2]3 [Fe(CN)4 (μ-CN)2]2}n can electro-catalyze hydrogen evolution from a neutral aqueous buffer (pH 7.0) with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 1561 mol of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour (H2/mol catalyst/h) at an overpotential (OP) of 837 mV {[Ni(tn)2]3 [Fe(CN)4 (μ-CN)2]2}n also can electro-catalyze O2 production from water with a TOF of ∼45 mol O2 (mol cat)−1s−1 at an OP of 591 mV. Under blue light (λ = 469 nm), together with CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) as a photosensitizer, and ascorbic acid (H2A) as a sacrificial electron donor, {[Ni(tn)2]3 [Fe(CN)4 (μ-CN)2]2}n can photo-catalyze hydrogen generation from an aqueous buffer (pH 4.0) with a turnover number (TON) of 11,450 mol H2 per mole of catalyst (mol of H2 (mol of cat)−1) during 10 h irradiation. The average of apparent quantum yield (AQY) is as high as 40.96% during 10 h irradiation. Studies indicate that {[Ni(tn)2]3 [Fe(CN)4 (μ-CN)2]2}n exists in two forms: a cyano-bridged chain ({[Ni(tn)2]3 [Fe(CN)4 (μ-CN)2]2}n) in solid, and a salt ([Ni(tn)2]3 [Fe(CN)6]2) in aqueous media; Catalytic reaction occurs on the nickel center of [Ni(tn)2]2+, and the introduction of [Fe(CN)6]3- can improve the catalytic efficiency of [Ni(tn)2]2+ for H2 or O2 generation. We hope these findings can afford a new method for the design of catalysts for both water reduction and oxidation.

Effect of metal centers of complexes bearing bipyridine ligand for electrochemical‐ and photochemical‐driven hydrogen evolution

In this work, two complexes with bipyridine ligand, [Co (bpy)2(SCN)2] 1 and [Ni (bpy)2(SCN)2] 2 have been prepared and well determined by single crystal X‐crystallography, power X‐ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectra, and so forth. Both exhibit good catalytic activity for electrochemical‐ and photochemical driven‐hydrogen evolution. Complexes 1 and 2 can electro‐catalyze H2 evolution from a neutral buffer (pH 7.0) with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 699.6 and 1469 mol H2/mol catalyst/h at an overpotential (OP) of 837.6 mV, respectively. Under blue light (λ = 469 nm), together with CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) as a photosensitizer, and ascorbic acid as a sacrificial electron donor, complexes 1 and 2 also can photo‐catalyze H2 evolution from water. Under an optimal condition, the turnover numbers (TONs) reach 10,600 (complex 1) and 15,180 (complex 2) mol of H2 per mol of catalyst during 48‐h irradiation, respectively. The average apparent quantum yields (AQYs) of complex 1 and complex 2 are 15.07% and 22.7%, respectively. Electrochemical and photochemical investigations show that the nickel complex has a higher activity for hydrogen evolution than that of the cobalt complex. These results can provide a new insight into design and manufacture of new H2‐production catalyst.

Synthesis, structure, characterization, EPR investigation and catalytic behavior for hydrogen evolution of a bis(thiosemicarbazonato)-palladium complex

The reaction of H2ATSE with Pd(CH3CN)2Cl2 affords a new palladium complex, Pd-ATSE, which has been characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. EPR investigations show that there are the couplings of 105Pd with the neighboring 14N and 33S nuclei from the ATSE2- ligand. Under an overpotential of 837.6 mV, Pd-ATSE can afford 666 mol of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour. Under blue light (λ = 469 nm), together with CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) and ascorbic acid (H2A), Pd-ATSE can catalyze hydrogen generation with a turnover number (TON) of 3520 mol H2 per mol of catalyst (mol of cat−1) during 28 h irradiation.

Coordinating ultra-low content Au modified CdS with coupling selective oxidation and reduction system for improved photoexcited charge utilization

Integrating ultra-low content precious metal and low-cost solid-state optical absorber for effective utilization of photogenerated charges has been a hopeful strategy for selective organic transformations (SOTs). Herein, series of novel Au/CdS nanocomposites with (ultra-) low-content Au were prepared via two-step solvothermal treatment for the selective oxidation (SO) of aromatic alcohols (AA) and selective reduction (SR) of nitroarenes (NA) in one coupling system. Taking the advantages of electron accumulator property of Au and virtues of formed tight heterojunction between 5 nm gold nanoparticle (Au NPs) and CdS nanorods (CdS NRs), the Au/CdS nanocomposites exhibited outstanding charge separation and transfer performance and durable stability compared with blank CdS. The activities corresponding to the oxidation of aromatic alcohols and reduction of nitroaromatic hydrocarbons on the optimal 0.0028% Au/CdS samples are about 2 and 4 times higher than those of blank CdS. This is mainly due to the introduction of Au NPs and the construction of reasonable coupling reaction system, thus realizing the synergistic utilization of photogenerated charges. Finally, the mechanism and photocatalytic reaction pathway for the coupling reaction system were also proposed.

Synthesis and adsorption properties of CdS-Au hybrid nanorings

In this paper, CdS-Au hybrid nanorings (HNRs) were synthesized by self-template method at low temperature. The CdS-Au HNRs have an open hollow structure and well-defined morphology. SEM, TEM and XRD were used to monitor the development of morphology and structure of samples during the synthesis of CdS-Au HNRs. Compared with CdS NRs, CdS-Au HNRs have stronger ability to absorb dye molecules due to the electron transfer between CdS and Au.

NiCoP nanoparticles anchored on CdS nanorods for enhanced hydrogen production by visible light-driven formic acid dehydrogenation

Photocatalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA), HCOOH→H2+CO2, is a promising strategy for hydrogen production. Although tremendous efforts have been made, developing efficient and robust system driven by visible light without noble metal still remains a huge challenge. Herein, we report for the first time the use of NiCoP nanoparticles anchored on CdS nanorods (NiCoP@CdS NRs) as a highly efficient and robust catalyst for photocatalytic FA dehydrogenation. NiCoP nanoparticles as cocatalyst can effectively separate the electron-hole pairs generated by CdS NRs. The H2 production rate of the NiCoP@CdS nanorods reached ~354 μmol mg−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) and the apparent quantum yield (AQY) was ~45.5 % at 420 nm which are among the best values ever reported in photocatalytic FA dehydrogenation systems. This work provides a prospective strategy for developing noble-metal-free photocatalytic FA dehydrogenation systems and hydrogen-based energy applications.