Photocatalysis under shell: Co@BN core-shell composites for efficient EY-sensitized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The Co@BN core-shell nanostructure of Co core and boron nitride (BN) shell was prepared through a facile onestep thermal treatment. The as-prepared Co@BN nanocomposites exhibited excellent dye-sensitized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity (13.78 mmol h(-1) g(-1)) with visible light and the apparent quantum yield was 1.15%. The enhanced adsorption of EY on the BN shell and the Co/BN Schottky junction facilitate the tandem transfer of photo-generated carriers to the Co surface. Moreover, the core-shell interface serves as a nanoreactor boosting the reduction of H+ to H-2 on the Co surface. Additionally, the magnetic recyclability makes Co@BN favorable for its practical application. This work extends the application of the photocatalysis under shell and has potential in dye-sensitized solar cell.