Synergetic Piezo-Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution on CdxZn1-xS Solid-Solution 1D Nanorods

Conversion of solar and mechanical vibration energies for catalytic water splitting into H-2 has gained substantial attention recently. However, the sluggish charge separation and inefficient energy utilization in photocatalytic and piezocatalytic processes severely restrict the catalytic activity. In this paper, efficient piezo-photocatalytic H-2 evolution from water splitting is realized via simultaneously converting solar and vibration energy over one-dimensional (1D) nanorod-structured CdxZn1-xS (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) solid solutions. Under combined visible light and ultrasound irradiation, Cd0.4Zn0.6S 1D nanorods deliver a prominently synergetic piezo-photocatalytic H-2 yield rate of 4.45 mmol g(-1) h(-1), far exceeding that under sole ultrasound or illumination. The consumedly promoted catalytic activity of Cd0.4Zn0.6S is attributed to strengthened charge separation by piezo-potential as disclosed by light-assisted scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM), increased strain sensitivity, and desirable optimization between piezoelectricity and visible-light response due to the formation of 1D configuration and solid solution. Metal and metal oxide depositions disclose that reduction and oxidation reactions separately occur at the tips and lateral edges of the Cd0.4Zn0.6S nanorods, in which the spatially separated reactive sites also contribute to super catalytic activity. This work is expected to inspire a new design strategy of coupled catalysis reactions for efficient renewable fuel production.

Automated summary

This study focuses on efficient piezo-photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water splitting using one-dimensional nanorod-structured CdxZn1-xS solid solutions, simultaneously converting solar and vibration energy. Cd0.4Zn0.6S nanorods exhibit a prominently synergetic piezo-photocatalytic H-2 yield rate under visible light and ultrasound irradiation. The enhanced catalytic activity of Cd0.4Zn0.6S is attributed to strengthened charge separation by piezo-potential, increased strain sensitivity, and optimal combination of piezoelectricity and visible-light response. The research is expected to inspire a new design strategy for efficient renewable fuel production.