Self-assembled CdS@BN core-shell photocatalysts for efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. (26th May 2020) - Fang, Xueyou
Abstract: CdS@BN NRs core-shell photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution were synthesized by a solvothermal and chemical adsorption method. CdS NRs coated by 5 wt% boron nitride (BN) shell exhibited remarkably visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of up to 30.68 mmol g −1 h −1, nearly 6.79 times higher than that of pure CdS NRs, and the apparent quantum efficiency at 420 nm was 7.5%. Transmission electron microscopy showed the CdS NRs were coated with a thin (~5 nm) BN layer, which together with the hydrogen evolution results proved the photocatalytic ability of CdS NRs was significantly improved. The hydrogen evolution rate of CdS NRs coated by 5 wt% BN remained at 91.4% after four cycles, indicating the photocorrosion of CdS NRs was effectively alleviated. Moreover, the large and close coaxial interfacial contact between the CdS core and the BN shell was beneficial to the separation and transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Graphical abstract: Proposed mechanism of photocatalytic H2 evolution over CdS@BN NRs. Image 1 Highlights: Core-shell CdS@BN NR photocatalysts were prepared by a solvothermal and chemical adsorption self-assembly method. The photocatalytic H2 -evolution activity and stability were greatly enhanced by coating boron nitride shells. CdS NRs added with 5 wt% boron nitride showed an excellent H2 -evolution rate of 30.68 mmol g −1 h −1 .