Noble Metal Cocatalysts Research Articles

In Situ Fabrication of Porous MOF/COF Hybrid Photocatalysts for Visible-Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution.

Construction of porous metal-organic framework (MOF)/covalent organic framework (COF) hybrid photocatalysts for enriched structures and unprecedented properties is still a great challenge but highly desirable. Herein, a new series of Cu3(HHTP)2-MOF/Tp-Pa-1-COF hybrids with different MOF content are successfully fabricated. The as-prepared MOF/COF hybrids exhibit intimate interaction based on the coordination of Cu ions with the carbonyl oxygen and enamine nitrogen groups in Tp-Pa-1. The integrated conductive Cu3(HHTP)2 is able to act as an excellent electron extractor instead of noble metal cocatalysts to significantly promote the charge transfer and inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. As a results, the optimized photocatalyst with Cu3(HHTP)2:Tp-Pa-1 ratio of 1:15 achieves the highest hydrogen evolution rate of 1.76 mmol·h-1·g-1 under visible-light irradiation, which is about 93 times higher than that of the pure Tp-Pa-1 and even slightly higher than that of the Tp-Pa-1 with Pt (3 wt %) as a cocatalyst.

Highly efficient thiomolybdate [Mo2S12]2- nanocluster cocatalyst decorated on TiO2 to boost photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The exploitation of noble-metal-free photocatalysts with high solar-to-H2 conversion efficiency is a hot topic in the photocatalysis field. Molybdenum sulfide materials, which have good physicochemical properties and excellent hydrogen evolution activity, have become an effective noble metal cocatalyst substitute and attracted widespread attention. In this work, a highly efficient photocatalyst constructed by decorating thiomolybdate [Mo2S12]2- nanoclusters on TiO2 is reported for the first time. The resultant [Mo2S12]2-/TiO2 photocatalyst shows a remarkable enhanced hydrogen evolution rate under the Xenon light irradiation. At the optimal loading amount of [Mo2S12]2-, the photocatalyst exhibits a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 213.1 μmol h−1 g−1, which is about 51 times that of the pure TiO2. Characterization results show that the intimate contact between [Mo2S12]2- and TiO2 promotes the separation of hole-electron pairs, prolongs the lifetime of carriers, and thereby increases the photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, abundant bridging S in the [Mo2S12]2- acts as active sites for hydrogen evolution, which also contributes to the enhanced hydrogen production rate. This work demonstrates an efficient way for the construction of noble-metal-free hydrogen evolution photocatalyst and provides a useful reference for the development of low cost photocatalysts in the future.

Significantly Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation over a 2D/2D Z-Scheme La2NiO4/g-C3N4 Hybrid Free of Noble Metal Cocatalyst

Significantly Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation over a 2D/2D Z-Scheme La₂NiO₄/g-C₃N₄ Hybrid Free of Noble Metal Cocatalyst

Two-electron transfer mechanism from 3D/3D nickel selenide/MoS2 heterostructure accelerates photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and tetracycline hydrochloride removal

Establishing highly effective charge transfer channels and providing adequate active sites for improving the activity of photocatalyst is still a challenging issue. Herein, a novel marigold-like NiSe2/MoS2 hierarchical heterostructure is firstly reported via in situ deposition of mesoscale hedgehog NiSe2 nanoparticles on the nanosheet edge of MoS2 flowerspheres. The optimal 5.4% NiSe2/MoS2 composite exhibits moderate hydrogen evolution rate of 2473.7 μmol·h−1·g−1 without any noble metal cocatalysts and achieves mineralization capacity for tetracycline hydrochloride (58.1%) after 120 min, respectively. The transfer pathway of photogenerated charge carriers, the generation process and function of different reactive oxygen species (·O2–, ·OH, 1O2 and H2O2) are detailedly discussed. Based on the results of various characterizations and DFT calculations, the improvement of photocatalytic performance could be derived from the unique morphology effect with numerous reactive sites and extended light harvesting ability, as well as the type-II heterojunction with promoted photocarriers separation efficiency and lower interfacial migration impedance, which arose from a continuous two-step/two-electron reduction pathway. The developed synthetic strategy may provide new inspirations for the rational design and construction of high efficiency photocatalysts with hierarchical structures for energy conversion and water environment remediation.

Promoting highly dispersed Co3O4 nanoparticles onto polyethyne unraveling the catalytic mechanism with stable catalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction: From fundamentals to applications

The solution to overcome the energy crisis in the globe with saving the environment from pollution and the community health, along with other applications of electrochemical for water splitting to get hydrogen and oxygen as a clean fuel. Likewise, the conducting polymers experience as stability over long time, or some time the breaking of conducting polymer chain is unavoidable with addition of polymer. For many reasons, we use noble metal co-catalysts in conjunction with semiconductors for improved hydrogen and oxygen gas production by the water splitting. The morphological characterization, & chemical composition of pristine & composite material studies with the help of different analytical techniques as like SEM, EDX, XRD, XPS & HRTEM. An outperform and active non-noble electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction which is a hotspot in the current research activities for oxygen & hydrogen production with zero carbon dioxide emission. Herein, we present an advanced material Co3O4/polyethyne for the first time to produce oxygen at a reasonable overpotential. The best oxygen evolution performance of Co3O4/polyethyne (20) providing the best performance at low overpotential 260 mV at 10 mAcm−2 the Tafel slope 64 mVdec−1, further strongly acceptable durability approximately for the 30 h & finally obtained charge transfer resistance value of 82.58 Ohms & greater capacitance 1.56 mF value for Co3O4. The key element in the success of newly developed catalyst is the greater amount of Co3O4 nanoparticles due to selective growth on polyethyne which has played a dominant role in oxygen production. It is because of the worth mentioning properties of polyethyne as a good electrical conductor, as efficient catalyst Co3O4 with more surface roughness and high surface area, which is strongly boosting the production of oxygen. The developed material can be applied in other competing fields such as lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, energy storage devices, and photochemical water splitting.

Rational design of all-solid-state TiO2-x/Cu/ZnO Z-scheme heterojunction via ALD-assistance for enhanced photocatalytic activity

Poor visible light utilization and charge separation efficiency of TiO2 restrict its extensive application in the photocatalytic field. Herein, a specific Z-scheme TiO2-x/Cu/ZnO heterojunction was successfully constructed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique and spray pyrolysis technology. Benefited from the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Cu and Z-scheme heterojunction, the visible light absorption capacity was greatly enhanced. Meanwhile, ZnO nanolayer coating, prepared by ALD technique, protects Cu element to hinder its oxidation, thus enhancing the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. Therefore, the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance was significant improved, exhibiting a maximum value of 342.0 µmol·g−1·h−1 for the optimal B-T-0.1C-10Z (black TiO2/0.1Cu/10 nm ZnO) sample without any noble-metal cocatalyst, which is higher than pure TiO2 (310.7 µmol·g−1·h−1, with 3 wt% Pt) synthesized by spray pyrolysis method under equal conditions. In addition, a possible mechanism for the enhanced performance was briefly discussed based on the experimental results.

CuInS2 Photocathodes with Atomic Gradation-Controlled (Ta,Mo)x(O,S)y Passivation Layers for Efficient Photoelectrochemical H2 Production.

An atomic gradient passivation layer, (Ta,Mo)x(O,S)y, is designed to improve the charge transportation and photoelectrochemical activity of CuInS2-based photoelectrodes. We found that Mo spontaneously diffused to the a-TaOx layer during e-beam evaporation. This result indicates that the gradient profile of MoOx/TaOx is formed in the sublayer of (Ta,Mo)x(O,S)y. To understand the atomic-gradation effects of the (Ta,Mo)x(O,S)y passive layer, the composition and (photo)electrochemical properties have been characterized in detail. When this atomic gradient-passive layer is applied to CuInS2-based photocathodes, promising photocurrent and onset potential are seen without using Pt cocatalysts. This is one of the highest activities among reported CuInS2 photocathodes, which are not combined with noble metal cocatalysts. Excellent photoelectrochemical activity of the photoelectrode can be mainly achieved by (1) the electron transient time improved due to the conductive Mo-incorporated TaOx layer and (2) the boosted electrocatalytic activity by Mox(O,S)y formation.

Photocatalytic overall water splitting without noble-metal: Decorating CoP on Al-doped SrTiO3

CoP, a noble-metal-free cocatalyst, was first introduced onto the surface of Al-doped SrTiO3 (Al:STO) via an in situ photodeposition-phosphorization method for photocatalytic overall water splitting (POWS) into stoichiometric H2 and O2. Compared with pure Al:STO, the POWS activity was enhanced by a factor of ~ 421 over 1.0%CoP/Al:STO, with the highest evolution rates of 2106 and 1002 μmol h−1 g−1 for H2 and O2, respectively. The mechanism for the remarkably boosted POWS activity was systematically analyzed based on the comprehensive characterization. On the one hand, benefiting from the in situ photodeposition process, CoP with metallic character were intimately decorated onto the surface of Al:STO and accelerated the separation and migration of photoinduced charge carriers. On the other hand, CoP, serving as reactive sites for H2 evolution reaction, lowered the overpotential and facilitated the surface reduction reaction, thereby enhancing the POWS activity. Furthermore, Cr2O3 was photodeposited on the surface of 1.0%CoP/Al:STO composite to suppress the undesired reverse reaction and the POWS activity was further enhanced up to 3558 and 1722 μmol h−1 g−1 for H2 and O2, respectively, with apparent quantum yield of 7.1% at 350 ± 10 nm. This work presents a new avenue for designing POWS system without noble-metal cocatalyst.

TiO2 photocatalyst with single and dual noble metal co-catalysts for efficient water splitting and organic compound removal

Photocatalysts can be used both for air cleaning and solar energy harvesting through water splitting. However, pure TiO2 photocatalysts are often inefficient and therefore co-catalysts are needed to improve the yield. To achieve this goal, we prepared TiO2 and deposited Pt, Ir and Ru co-catalysts on its surface. Two base TiO2 nanoparticles were used: P25 and rutile TiO2 synthesized via hydrothermal method. Co-catalysts were deposited by wet impregnation technique using single element and a combination of two elements (Pt and Ir or Pt and Ru), followed by annealing in either air or H2/Ar. Annealing in reducing atmosphere increased the photocatalytic activity of oxidation of isopropanol compared to annealing in air. We demonstrated a clear influence of the co-catalysts on the photocatalytic degradation of isopropanol and on electrochemical water-splitting reaction. The platinum-containing samples showed the best HER activity.

Surface-Engineered Ni(OH)2/PtNi Nanocubes as Cocatalysts for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Exposure of specific crystallographic planes as catalyst surfaces has been reported to effectively affect the performance of noble metal cocatalysts used for photocatalytic hydrogen production via water splitting. However, the performance of noble metals for hydrogen production in alkaline solutions is usually 2 orders of magnitude lower than that in acidic media because of the weak dissociative adsorption ability of noble metals to water molecules, which may greatly limit their applications in photocatalytic hydrogen production. In this research we report a Pt-based composite cocatalyst (Ni(OH)2/PtNi nanocubes), designed by separating the dissociative sites of water molecules from active sites for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Compared with PtNi nanocube-loaded CdS, Ni(OH)2/PtNi nanocube-modified CdS exhibits a much higher photocatalytic performance for hydrogen production in alkaline solutions. This study provides a method for synthesizing highly active water-splitting/reducing photocatalysts under alkaline conditions.

As a single atom Pd outperforms Pt as the most active co-catalyst for photocatalytic H2 evolution

SummaryHere, we evaluate three different noble metal co-catalysts (Pd, Pt, and Au) that are present as single atoms (SAs) on the classic benchmark photocatalyst, TiO2. To trap the single atoms on the surface, we introduced controlled surface vacancies (Ti3+-Ov) on anatase TiO2 nanosheets by a thermal reduction treatment. After anchoring identical loadings of single atoms of Pd, Pt, and Au, we measure the photocatalytic H2 generation rate and compare it to the classic nanoparticle co-catalysts on the nanosheets. While nanoparticles yield the well-established the hydrogen evolution reaction activity sequence (Pt > Pd > Au), for the single atom form, Pd radically outperforms Pt and Au. Based on density functional theory (DFT), we ascribe this unusual photocatalytic co-catalyst sequence to the nature of the charge localization on the noble metal SAs embedded in the TiO2 surface.

Nanoplasmonic zirconium nitride photocatalyst for direct overall water splitting

The ability of plasmonic nanostructures to efficiently harvest light energy and generate energetic hot carriers makes them promising materials for utilization in photocatalytic water spitting. Apart from the traditional Au and Ag based plasmonic photocatalysts, more recently the noble–metal–free alternative plasmonic materials have attracted ever–increasing interest. Here we report the first use of plasmonic zirconium nitride (ZrN) nanoparticles as a promising photocatalyst for water splitting. Highly crystalline ZrN nanoparticles with sizes dominating at 30–50 nm were synthesized that exhibit intense visible and near–infrared absorption due to localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Without utilizing any noble metal cocatalysts such as Pt, the plasmonic ZrN nanoparticles alone showed stable photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution in aqueous solution with methanol as sacrificial electron donor. The addition of a cobalt oxide (CoOx) cocatalyst can facilitate the separation of photogenerated charge carriers and further improve the photocatalytic activity. The optimized CoOx modified ZrN photocatalyst was observed not only to activate the O2 evolution reaction with presence of electron acceptor, but also to drive overall water splitting for the simultaneous H2 and O2 evolution in the absence of any sacrificial agents.

Ni single atoms anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene as H2-Evolution cocatalyst of SrTiO3(Al)/CoOx for photocatalytic overall water splitting

Aluminum-doped strontium titanate SrTiO3(Al), has been demonstrated as the suitable photocatalyst for overall water splitting. Noble metals, such as RhCrOx, are widely applied to accelerate the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Herein, Ni single atoms anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene (Ni SA-NG) are adopted to replace noble metal as hydrogen (H2) evolution cocatalysts for SrTiO3(Al)/CoOx photocatalyst. The prepared Ni SA-NG/SrTiO3(Al)/CoOx photocatalyst exhibits remarkable activity for photocatalytic overall water splitting with the H2 evolution rate of 498 μmol g−1 h−1 and oxygen (O2) evolution rate of 230 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively. Ni SA-NG not only improves the efficiency of photogenerated charge transfer and separation through the Ti–O–C bonds acting as the electron transfer freeway, but also provides highly active sites to accelerate the surface H2 evolution rate. This research provides a valuable method to construct SrTiO3-based photocatalyst without noble metal cocatalysts.

Significantly Raised Visible-Light Photocatalytic H2 Evolution on a 2D/2D ReS2 /In2 ZnS4 van der Waals Heterostructure.

Owing to dwindling fossil fuels reserves, the development of alternative renewable energy sources is globally important. Photocatalytic hydrogen (H2 ) evolution represents a practical and affordable alternative to convert sunlight into carbon-free H2 fuel. Recently, 2D/2D van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) have attracted significant research attention for photocatalysis. Here, for the first time a ReS2 /In2 ZnS4 2D/2D vdWH synthesized via a facile physical mixing is reported. It exhibits a highly promoted photocatalytic H2 -evolution rate of 2515 µmol h-1 g-1 . Importantly, this exceeds that for pristine In2 ZnS4 by about 22.66 times. This, therefore, makes ReS2 /In2 ZnS4 one of the most efficient In2 ZnS4 -based photocatalysts without noble-metal cocatalysts. Advanced characterizations and theoretical computations results show that interlayer electronic interaction within ReS2 /In2 ZnS4 vdWH and atomic-level S active centers along the edges of ReS2 NSs work collaboratively to result in the boosted light-induced H2 evolution. Results will be of immediate benefit in the rational design and preparation of vdWHs for applications in catalysis/(opto)electronics.

Design and fabrication of C–Mn0.5Cd0.5S/Cu3P ternary heterojunction catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water splitting is a promising strategy to solve the energy demand of human beings. Here, we first designed a C–Mn0.5Cd0.5S/Cu3P ternary heterojunction catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The results show that the combination of C and Cu3P can effectively improve the photocatalytic activity of Mn0.5Cd0.5S. C–Mn0.5Cd0.5S loading with 5 wt% Cu3P exhibits the highest hydrogen evolution rate (44.1 mmol g−1 h−1), which is 3.2 and 2.8 times higher than that of pure Mn0.5Cd0.5S (13.7 mmol g−1 h−1) and Mn0.5Cd0.5S/3 wt%Pt (15.6 mmol g−1 h−1), respectively. In addition, it shows a high hydrogen evolution rate (19.6 mmol g−1 h−1) under visible light (≥420 nm) irritation and the apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) is detected to be 3.2% at 420 nm. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the good conductivity of C and the formation of p-n heterojunction, which is beneficial for light harvesting and the separation and transportation of charge carriers. Besides, a possible mechanism is proposed. This work provides an effective way to improve the photocatalytic activity of Mn0.5Cd0.5S by using non noble metal co-catalysts.

A ternary calabash model photocatalyst (Pd/MoP)/CdS for enhancing H2 evolution under visible light irradiation

Noble metal and non-noble metal co-catalysts have their own advantages for improving photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Here, we report a new composite co-catalyst (Pd/MoP) and a ternary photocatalyst (Pd/MoP)/CdS for hydrogen evolution. The optimum photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of (Pd/MoP)/CdS reaches 943 μmol/h, which is 2.1 times of MoP/CdS and 4.4 times of Pd/CdS. Transient photocurrent responses, photoluminescence spectroscopies, and surface photovoltage spectroscopies demonstrated the combination of (Pd/MoP) makes high-efficiency of charge separation on CdS. Galvanostatic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry tests revealed MoP mainly serves as a reservoir to store photo-excited electrons from CdS. Electrochemical impedance spectra and linear sweep voltammetry measures revealed Pd mainly acts as active sites for hydrogen evolution. Most importantly, the functions of each part of ternary photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution have been clarified, and a ternary calabash model photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution is put forward.

Semiconductor Photocatalysts for Solar-to-Hydrogen Energy Conversion: Recent Advances of CdS

Background: Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water splitting using photocatalyst semiconductors is one of the most promising solutions to satisfy the increasing demands of a rapidly developing society. CdS has emerged as a representative semiconductor photocatalyst due to its suitable band gap and band position. However, the poor stability and rapid charge recombination of CdS restrict its application for hydrogen production. The strategy of using a cocatalyst is typically recognized as an effective approach for improving the activity, stability, and selectivity of photocatalysts. Introduction: Solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production from water splitting is one of the most promising solutions to satisfy the increasing demands of a rapidly developing society. CdS has emerged as a representative semiconductor photocatalyst due to its suitable band gap and band position. However, the poor stability and rapid charge recombination of CdS restrict its application for hydrogen production. The strategy of using a cocatalyst is typically recognized as an effective approach for improving the activity, stability, and selectivity of photocatalysts. In this review, recent developments in CdS cocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting under visible-light irradiation are summarized. In particular, the factors affecting the photocatalytic performance and new cocatalyst design, as well as the general classification of cocatalysts, are discussed, which includes a single cocatalyst containing noble-metal cocatalysts, non-noble metals, metal-complex cocatalysts, metal-free cocatalysts, and multi-cocatalysts. Finally, future opportunities and challenges with respect to the optimization and theoretical design of cocatalysts toward the CdS photocatalytic hydrogen evolution are described. Methods: This review summarizes the recent developments in CdS cocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting under visible-light irradiation. Results: Recent developments in CdS cocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting under visible-light irradiation are summarized. The factors affecting the photocatalytic performance and new cocatalyst design, as well as the general classification of cocatalysts, are discussed, which includes a single cocatalyst containing noble-metal cocatalysts, non-noble metals, metal-complex cocatalysts, metal-free cocatalysts, and multi-cocatalysts. Finally, future opportunities and challenges with respect to the optimization and theoretical design of cocatalysts toward the CdS photocatalytic hydrogen evolution are described. Conclusion: The state-of-the-art CdS for producing hydrogen from photocatalytic water splitting under visible light is discussed. The future opportunities and challenges with respect to the optimization and theoretical design of cocatalysts toward the CdS photocatalytic hydrogen evolution are also described.

Visible-light-driven water splitting by yolk-shelled ZnIn2S4-based heterostructure without noble-metal co-catalyst and sacrificial agent

The exploitation of low-cost, high-performance and visible-light-activated photocatalysts is of great significance for hydrogen economy. Herein, we report the rational design of a ZnIn2S4-based noble-metal-free photocatalyst for direct splitting of water into H2 and O2. Semi-metallic NiCo2S4 with low reduction barrier is selected as H2 evolving co-catalyst under the guidance of density functional theory (DFT) computation. Controllable preparation of hierarchical heterostructure is achieved by fine-tuning NiCo2S4 yolk-shell hollow spheres from metal-organic framework (MOF) precursors, followed by tight growth of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on its outer surface and decoration of O2 evolving co-catalyst, Co3O4 nanoparticles, on the outermost layers. Locating reduction and oxidation sites on interior and exterior surfaces of ZnIn2S4 effectively harness the charge recombination as well as undesired back reaction. As a result of directional charge separation, ZnIn2S4 modified with separated dual co-catalysts exhibits promising photocatalytic activity, which is superior to most of analogous sulfide-based photocatalysts.

A synergistic effect between S-scheme heterojunction and Noble-metal free cocatalyst to promote the hydrogen evolution of ZnO/CdS/MoS2 photocatalyst

Assembling the composition synergism and structure adjustment to efficiently accelerate the charge transfer and separation, is emerging as a promising strategy for advanced photocatalytic H2 evolution. Herein, an efficient ZnO/CdS/MoS2 photocatalyst with similar componments crystal structures and integrated S-scheme heterojunction and cocatalyst effects, was constructed to synergistically promote the photocatalytic H2 evolution of CdS. The optimized ZnO/CdS/MoS2 heterojunction with an MoS2 mass ratio of 6 wt% (ZCM-3) revealed the highest H2 evolution rate of 10247.4 μmol g−1h−1, 30.7-fold and 3.0-fold higher than that of bare CdS (323.5 μmol g−1h−1) and optimized ZnO/CdS (3400.8 μmol g−1h−1), respectively. Moreover, the slight change in H2 production activities and retained crystal structures after five consecutive cycles indicate the stability of the photocatalyst. Detailed experimental results and DFT calculation elucidated that the substantially boosted photocatalytic performance was originated not only from the fast electron transfer and separation through the intimate contact, but also the synergistic effect between the S-scheme and cocatalyst. A possible mechanism was speculated based on the results, which can enriche the research for S-scheme heterojunction photocatalytic system and provide new insights for the design of efficient H2 production photocatalyst.

Controlled Biosynthesis of ZnCdS Quantum Dots with Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Activity.

The development of visible-light-responsive photocatalysts with high efficiency, stability, and eco-friendly nature is beneficial to the large-scale application of solar hydrogen production. In this work, the production of biosynthetic ternary ZnCdS photocatalysts (Eg = 2.35–2.72 eV) by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) under mild conditions was carried out for the first time. The huge amount of biogenic S2− and inherent extracellular proteins (EPs) secreted by SRB are important components of rapid extracellular biosynthesis. The ternary ZnCdS QDs at different molar ratios of Zn2+and Cd2+ from 15:1 to 1:1 were monodisperse spheres with good crystallinity and average crystallite size of 6.12 nm, independent of the molar ratio of Cd2+ to Zn2+. All the ZnCdS QDs had remarkable photocatalytic activity and stability for hydrogen evolution under visible light, without noble metal cocatalysts. Especially, ZnCdS QDs at Zn/Cd = 3:1 showed the highest H2 production activity of 3.752 mmol·h−1·g−1. This excellent performance was due to the high absorption of visible light, the high specific surface area, and the lower recombination rate between photoexcited electrons and holes. The adhered inherent EPs on the ZnCdS QDs slowed down the photocorrosion and improved the stability in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. This study provides a new direction for solar hydrogen production.