Copper phosphide modified cadmium sulfide nanorods as a novel p-n heterojunction for highly efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen production in water

Developing efficient photocatalystsmade of earth-abundant elements for hydrogen (H-2) production from water is considered to be a key pathway for future clean energy supply. Herein we report for the first time that p-type copper phosphide (Cu3P) can be an efficient promoter to improve photocatalytic H-2 production from water when loaded on n-type cadmium sulphide nanorods (CdS NRs). The formation of a p-n junction in Cu3P/CdS NRs leads to fast charge transfer and enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. Under optimal conditions, the H-2 evolution rate was as high as similar to 200 mmol h(-1) mg(-1) (lambda > 420 nm) and the apparent quantum yield at lambda = 450 nm was similar to 25% in water.