Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and simultaneously converting high-concentration of thiols into disulfides with excellent yield under visible-light

The simultaneous efficient utilization of photon-generated carriers to realize the selectively photocatalytic oxidation of organics coupled with hydrogen evolution has gained ever-increasing attention in the energy sector. A series of CdS/P25/Ni2P (SxOyP) was prepared, in which, S1O1P showed the highest activity. The conversion, selectivity, and yield are 97.47, 100, and 97.47%, respectively. Moreover, in consideration of the practical application of photocatalysis, the substrate concentration was expanded to 300 mM, which significantly exceeded that of the usually reported benchmark for photocatalysis, and the rate of hydrogen evolution could reach up to 16 697.86 mu mol g(cat)(-1) h(-1) under light irradiation for 3 h. Based on the experimental data and analysis, a possible mechanism for this reaction was proposed. This paper provides a strategy for making full use of photocarriers and explores the field of dual-function photocatalytic systems, which will be inspirational for the development of photocatalysis technology.

Automated summary

A series of CdS/P25/Ni2P (SxOyP) materials were prepared, and S1O1P exhibited the highest catalytic activity. The conversion, selectivity, and yield were 97.47%, 100%, and 97.47%, respectively. Furthermore, the substrate concentration was expanded to 300 mM, surpassing the benchmark for photocatalysis, and the rate of hydrogen evolution reached 16,697.86 mu mol g(cat)(-1) h(-1) under light irradiation for 3 h. Based on the experimental data and analysis, a possible mechanism for this reaction was proposed. This study provides a strategy for maximizing the utilization of photocarriers and explores the field of dual-function photocatalytic systems, inspiring the development of photocatalysis technology.