A new, efficient and durable MoO2/Mo2C-C cocatalyst with the optimized composition and electronic structure via in-situ carburization for photocatalytic H2 evolution

TiO2–@C/MoO2 Schottky junction: Rational design and efficient charge separation for promoted photocatalytic performance

“…6(d)). As expected, the MoO2 sample shows almost zero photocurrent density, which is caused by its metallic characteristics [5]. Compared with P25, the higher photocurrent density of the TiO2-x@C sample illustrates that the carbon layer can improve charge transfer.…”

“…Fortunately, over the past few decades, significant efforts have been devoted to optimizing activity by promoting light utilization and charge separation. For instance, defect engineering [3], heterojunction construction [4], and cocatalyst modification [5] have been reported to significantly enhance photocatalytic activity. In particular, cocatalyst loading is a potential strategy for constructing high-performance photocatalysts.…”

Boosted Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic H2 Production from Water on a Noble-Metal-Free Cd–In–S Photocatalyst

“…This may be the origin of the decreased H 2 evolution rate at a higher lactic acid content. Methanol (CH 3 OH), Na 2 S + Na 2 SO 3 , and triethanolamine (TEOA), which have been widely used as sacrificial reagents in photocatalysis, − were also tested as sacrificial reagents for visible-light-driven photocatalytic H 2 production from H 2 O on the Cd–In–S photocatalyst. Influences of CH 3 OH, Na 2 S + Na 2 SO 3 , and TEOA contents in the reaction solution on H 2 production are shown in Figures S2–S4.…”

“…In addition to promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, the Pt cocatalyst also provides active sites for dissociating H 2 O into H 2 . − This was recognized as the origin of the enhanced efficiency of photocatalytic H 2 production from H 2 O in the presence of the Pt cocatalyst. − However, the poor reserve and high price of the Pt cocatalyst make it unsuitable for large-scale commercialization. To replace the Pt cocatalyst, many low-cost noble-metal-free cocatalysts have been developed for photocatalytic H 2 production from H 2 O. − One type of noble-metal-free cocatalysts developed constitutes transition metal sulfides. − For example, Zhang et al combined a CuS cocatalyst with CdS to fabricate a CuS/CdS photocatalyst with a higher ability to separate photogenerated electron–hole pairs . In visible-light-driven photocatalytic H 2 production from H 2 O, CuS/CdS resulted in a H 2 production rate of 561.7 μmol h –1 , which was about two times higher than that on Pt/CdS (263.8 μmol h –1 ) .…”

“…In visible-light-driven photocatalytic H 2 production from H 2 O, CuS/CdS resulted in a H 2 production rate of 561.7 μmol h –1 , which was about two times higher than that on Pt/CdS (263.8 μmol h –1 ) . Another type of noble-metal-free cocatalysts developed includes transition metal carbides. − For example, Pan et al fabricated nanospheres containing Mo 2 C and carbon (Mo 2 C@C) and applied it as a cocatalyst to combine with CdS nanoparticles to form a CdS/Mo 2 C@C photocatalyst . In visible-light-driven photocatalytic H 2 production from H 2 O, CdS/Mo 2 C@C showed a H 2 evolution rate of 554.3 μmol h –1 , which was about 2 times higher than that on Pt/CdS (263.8 μmol h –1 ) .…”