Noble-metal-free NiS decorated organic-inorganic hybrid ZnxCd1-xSe-diethylenetriamine solid solution for hydrogen evolution

Cadmium selenide (CdSe) is often used as quantum dots to change other photocatalysts to enhance photocatalytic activity. It has a suitable band gap, special crystal structure and good prospect for photocatalytic hydrogen production. However, CdSe is prone to photocorrosion, and its photocatalytic performance is poor, which limits its application. Here, we report the preparation of ZnxCd1-xSe-DETA solid solution by conventional hydrothermal method using diethylenetriamine (DETA) as an organic molecular template. Among them, Zn0.5Cd0.5Se-DETA with clear urchin-like morphology has excellent hydrogen production rate without loading Pt (13.89 mmol.g(-1).h(-1)), which was 5.2 times greater than that of CdSe-DETA (2.67 mmol.g(-1).h(-1)). To further understand the effect of cocatalyst on the photocatalytic hydrogen evaluation of solid solution, NiS was used as a cocatalyst, and the hydrogen production rate of NiS/Zn0.5Cd0.5Se-DETA (20.42 mmol.g(-1).h(-1)) was greatly improved, which was about 1.47 times higher than that of Zn0.5Cd0.5Se-DETA. This work opens the door for extensive use of novel NiS/Zn0.5Cd0.5Se-DETA composite for the photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light exposure. The present study not only provides a new strategy for the controllable synthesis of ZnxCd1-xSe-DETA solid solution with adjustable band gap, but also opens a new pathway to design noble-metal-free NiS decorated photocatalysts for green energy applications.