Highly efficient photocatalytic formic acid decomposition to syngas under visible light using CdS nanorods integrated with crystalline W2N3 nanosheets

Syngas (H-2/CO) production by photocatalytic formic acid decomposition is a promising method for solar energy conversion. Furthermore, syngas can be used as a fuel in internal combustion engines and can also be converted to other liquid fuels as well as high-value chemicals. In this study, an efficient photocatalytic system was constructed by combining crystalline W2N3 nanosheets and CdS nanorods for formic acid decomposition to syngas with an adjustable ratio. Under visible light illumination, the optimal rate of H-2 production is 262 mu mol h(-1) with 207 mu mol h(-1) for CO generation, which are among the highest values achieved from photocatalytic syngas production. Meanwhile, the apparent quantum yields of H-2 and CO evolution are 17.6% and 16.9%, respectively. Further experimental results demonstrate that the heterostructures formed between CdS and W2N3 can effectively facilitate interfacial charge transfer and separation. This work also provides insight into developing a novel and low-cost approach for renewable energy conversion.

Automated summary

Photocatalytic formic acid decomposition for syngas (H-2/CO) production is a promising method for solar energy conversion. This study achieved high production rates of H-2 and CO using a photocatalytic system composed of W2N3 nanosheets and CdS nanorods. The heterostructures formed between CdS and W2N3 facilitated interfacial charge transfer and separation, resulting in excellent performance. This work provides insights into a novel and low-cost approach for renewable energy conversion.