Cooperative effects of zinc–nickel sulfides as a dual cocatalyst for the enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of g-C3N4. Issue 2 (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wei, Dandi; Liu, Yishan; Shao, Xueqing; Zhao, Xueying; Ghufran, Saba; Wang, Lu; Wu, Ronglan; Guo, Jia; Yang, Chao
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 10:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution -- Sulfide-decorated g-C3N4 -- Mixed metal sulfides -- Dual cocatalyst -- Synergistic effect; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2022.107216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: ZnS−NiS2 /g-C3 N4 ternary composites were synthesized via a thermal polymerization and post co-deposition−sulfidation method. The decoration of g-C3 N4 layers with ZnS−NiS2 nanoparticles extended visible light absorption and promoted the separation and transfer of photo-generated charge carriers. The photocatalytic performance of the ZnS−NiS2 /g-C3 N4 composites was evaluated by the visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution. Briefly, compared to g-C3 N4, ZnS/g-C3 N4, and NiS2 /g-C3 N4, the hydrogen evolution rate on ZnS−NiS2 /CN(0.4) was separately increased by 31, 31, and 1 times, highlighting the synergistic effect of ZnS and NiS2 . The interface between ZnS and g-C3 N4 modified the charge separation and transfer process. Meanwhile, NiS2 with a Pt-like behavior acted as an electron acceptor to facilitate transfer photoelectrons and to provide active sites for proton reduction. This work will offer new insight into improving g-C3 N4 -based photocatalysts with mixed metal sulfides for efficient hydrogen evolution. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: ZnS−NiS2 /g-C3 N4 ternary noble-metal-free photocatalyst was synthesized. ZnS−NiS2 /g-C3 N4 was used for visible light photocatalytic hydrogen production. NiS2 could act as an electron acceptor to transfer photoelectron quickly. The interface formed between ZnS and g-C3 N4 facilitated the charge transfer process.