The construction of 3D hierarchical CdS/NiAl-LDH photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution. (19th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gao, Gaimei; Yang, Guang; Dou, Mingyu; Kang, Shirong; Yin, Xingliang; Yang, Hua; Yang, Wenning; Li, Dacheng; Dou, Jianmin
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 48:Number 6(2023)
• Page Start: 2200
• Page End: 2210
• Publication Date: 2023-01-19
• Subjects: CdS -- NiAl-LDH -- 3D hierarchical -- Photocatalytic H2 evolution -- Heterojunction; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.10.099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: The development of excellent photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution is of great significance to solving the global energy crisis. In this work, a novel 3D hierarchical CdS/NiAl-LDH photocatalyst was fabricated by a facile electrostatic assembly strategy, which was composed of 1D CdS nanorods and 3D flower-like NiAl-LDH microspheres. Under the visible irradiation, the CNA-20 hierarchical photocatalyst presents the optimum hydrogen evolution rate achieved to 3.24 mmol g −1 h −1, which is improved 6.23-fold in comparison with the pure CdS. Through the analysis of energy band structures and first-principles calculation, the type-Ⅱ charge transfer mechanism was proposed. Driven by the built-in electric field, as well as the effect of intimate interface contact of CdS and NiAl-LDH, the photogenerated charge could be achieved rapidly separate and migrate, which effectively promotes the H2 evolution. This well-designed synergistic 1D/3D interface interaction and provides an economic approach to rationally developing metal-free photocatalysts for hydrogen production. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A novel 3D hierarchical CdS/NiAl-LDH photocatalyst was fabricated by the electrostatic self-assembly strategy. The CdS/NiAl-LDH photocatalyst displays excellent H2 production activity and stability. DFT calculations helped to explain the charge transfer at the heterojunction interface between CdS and NiAl. A possible charge transfer mechanism during the photocatalytic H2 evolution was proposed.