Mo2N: An efficient non-noble metal cocatalyst on CdS for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation

Mo2N as an efficient non-noble metal cocatalyst was firstly reported for improving photocatalytic H-2 evolution under visible light irradiation. The activity of 2.0% Mo2N/CdS is 6.1 times of CdS alone and 1.4 times of 1.0% Pt/CdS. The longevity test shows the Mo2N/CdS is very stable in 42 h. After 42 h, the activity of Mo2N/CdS gradually decreases. However, even after 90 h, the activity of Mo2N/CdS also keeps the 49% of that fresh catalyst. The molybdenum oxides, CdMoO4 on the surface of Mo2N may combine CdS with Mo2N closely, protect Mo2N cocatalyst and inhibit the reversible reaction of H-2 production, thus increase the photocatalytic activity and the stability of Mo2N/CdS. This study demonstrates Mo2N is a new efficient low cost non-noble metal cocatalyst in photocatalytic H-2 evolution. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.