Photocatalyst with Chloroplast-like Structure for Enhancing Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Photosynthesis with the chloroplast works efficiently because of the envelope structure that serves to carry enzymes and to simultaneously maintain the spatial separation of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Inspired by the spatially separated architecture, a chloroplast-like structured photocatalyst (PdS@CdS@MoS2), in which the PdS and MoS2 function as enzymes in the chloroplast and CdS shell functions as the chloroplast envelope, was developed to improve the photocatalytic H-2 evolution. In this unique nanoscale bionic structure, the poriferous CdS shell enhances light absorption, generates photoinduced carriers, and separates oxidation and reduction reactions. Meanwhile, PdS and MoS2 dual cocatalysts enhance the charge separation efficiency through forming a built-in electric field with CdS. We demonstrate that the separation efficiency of carriers, carrier lifetime, and the yield of H-2 are both higher than that of CdS nanoparticles, evidencing the feasibility of the chloroplast-like structure in enhancing the photocatalyst activity. This work emphasizes the synergism of the three key processes of the photocatalytic reaction by simulating the chloroplast structure and provides a general synthesis strategy, the synthesis of novel structured for photocatalysts for diverse applications in the energy field.

Automated summary

Inspired by chloroplast structure, a chloroplast-like structured photocatalyst was developed to improve H-2 evolution efficiency. This nanoscale bionic structure enhances charge separation efficiency and shows higher yield compared to traditional nanoparticles, demonstrating the potential of using chloroplast-like structures in enhancing photocatalytic activity.