Hierarchical CdS/m-TiO2/G ternary photocatalyst for highly active visible light-induced hydrogen production from water splitting with high stability

Yi Lu, Xiu Cheng, Ge Tian, Heng Zhao, Li He, Jie Hu, Si Ming Wu, Ying Dong, Gang Gang Chang, Silvia Lenaerts, Stéphane Siffert, Gustaaf Van Tendeloo, Zhao Fei Li, Ling Ling Xu, Xiao Yu Yang, Bao Lian Su

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Hierarchical semiconductors are the most important photocatalysts, especially for visible light-induced hydrogen production from water splitting. We demonstrate herein a hierarchical electrostatic assembly approach to hierarchical CdS/m-TiO2/G ternary photocatalyst, which exhibits high photoactivity and excellent photostability (more than twice the activity of pure CdS while 82% of initial photoactivity remained after 15 recycles during 80 h irradiation). The ternary nanojunction effect of the photocatalyst has been investigated from orbitals hybrid, bonding energy to atom-stress distortion and nano-interface fusion. And a coherent separation mechanism of charge carriers in the ternary system has been proposed at an atomic/nanoscale. This work offers a promising way to inhibit the photocorrosion of CdS and, more importantly, provide new insights for the design of ternary nanostructured photocatalysts with an ideal heterojunction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8-17
Number of pages10
JournalNano Energy
Volume47
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2018

Keywords

  • CdS
  • Graphene sheets
  • Mesoporous TiO
  • Ternary photocatalysis
  • Visible light-induced water splitting

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