Photochemical synthesis of Ni-Ni(OH)2 synergistic cocatalysts hybridized with CdS nanorods for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Ni-Ni(OH)2 composite was synthesized by a novel and facile photodeposition strategy and used as the cocatalyst of CdS for solar-to-hydrogen conversion. Under visible light, the hydrogen evolution rate of Ni-Ni(OH)2/CdS was 428 mmol g- 1h- 1 and remained essentially unchanged after 24 h in Na2S/Na2SO3 aqueous solution. In particular, the Ni-Ni(OH)2/CdS also displayed excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity (13.3 mmol g- 1h- 1) in 40 vol% glycerol. A set of spectroscopy and electrochemical characterizations were performed to explore the photoinduced interfacial charge dynamics. Ni and Ni(OH)2 were synergistic cocatalysts for improving charge utilization and photocatalytic performance.

Automated summary

A Ni-Ni(OH)2 composite was synthesized using a novel and easy photodeposition strategy as a cocatalyst for CdS in solar-to-hydrogen conversion. The composite exhibited excellent hydrogen evolution rates under visible light and different conditions, showcasing its potential for photocatalytic applications. Spectroscopy and electrochemical characterizations were conducted to understand the charge dynamics at the interface, showing the synergistic effects of Ni and Ni(OH)2 as cocatalysts.