One‐Pot Synthesis of Size‐Controllable Core–Shell CdS and Derived CdS@Zn_xCd_1−xS Structures for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Chalcogenide micro/nanocomposite structures have been attracting worldwide attention due to prospective applications in photocatalytic hydrogen production. Well-defined micro/nanostructures with pronounced properties are of extraordinary importance. Herein, a facile one-pot method for the synthesis of monodisperse, size-controllable CdS core-shell and CdS@Zn Cd S core-double shell submicrospheres, which were engineered with respect to structure and size, is reported. CdS core-shell submicrospheres with different sizes were selectively prepared for the first time. The growth mechanism was investigated in detail by monitoring the time-dependent morphology of intermediates by TEM. By introduction of a zinc precursor in the synthetic system, CdS@Zn Cd S core-double shell submicrospheres were obtained by cation exchange of CdS with zinc ions, with a process of diffusion of CdS towards the outside and transformation of Zn Cd S crystallites. The H evolution rate over CdS@Cd Zn S (5.17 mmol h g ) is 12.3 times that of CdS core-shell structures (0.42 mmol h g ) under visible light, owing to the efficient charge separation, as demonstrated by electrochemical impedance and transient-state time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, CdS@Zn Cd S core-double shell structures exhibited excellent stability over 20 h of hydrogen production.

Recent Advances in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of ZnxCd1−xS‐Based Photocatalysts

“…First, the current studies mainly focus on the S vacancies in Zn x Cd 1Àx S photocatalysts, and the Zn and Cd vacancies need to be further explored; second, the formation mechanism and fundamental functions of vacancies in Reproduced with permission. [73] Copyright 2017, Wiley. b) Zn x Cd 1Àx S/Co 3 O 4 .…”

“…Figure 7. Charge transfer mechanism of several representative Zn x Cd 1-x S-based heterojunction photocatalysts: a) Zn x Cd 1Àx S/CdS coreÀdouble shell submicrospheres.Reproduced with permission [73]. Copyright 2017, Wiley.…”

Perovskite Oxide LaNiO3 Nanoparticles for Boosting H2 Evolution over Commercial CdS with Visible Light

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Semiconductor-mediated photocatalytic water splitting is one intriguing technique for producing clean hydrogen (H 2 ) energy. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] However,t he efficiency realized so far can stilln ot meet the needs of commercial utilization, which is hindered mainly by the scarcity of affordable, efficient, and stable photocatalysts. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] However,t he efficiency realized so far can stilln ot meet the needs of commercial utilization, which is hindered mainly by the scarcity of affordable, efficient, and stable photocatalysts.…”

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Over the past few decades, metal oxides and metal sulfides,a sw ell as their desired hybrids, have been investigated extensively as activec atalysts for H 2 generation. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] However,t he efficiency realized so far can stilln ot meet the needs of commercial utilization, which is hindered mainly by the scarcity of affordable, efficient, and stable photocatalysts.…”

“…Semiconductor‐mediated photocatalytic water splitting is one intriguing technique for producing clean hydrogen (H 2 ) energy . Over the past few decades, metal oxides and metal sulfides, as well as their desired hybrids, have been investigated extensively as active catalysts for H 2 generation . However, the efficiency realized so far can still not meet the needs of commercial utilization, which is hindered mainly by the scarcity of affordable, efficient, and stable photocatalysts.…”