Preparation of NiS-Modified Cd1-xZnxS by a Hydrothermal Method and Its Use for the Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Evolution

NiS-modified Cd1-xZnxS has been prepared using a simple hydrothermal method. Notably, the H-2 evolution rate of 0.5% (y, molar fraction) NiS/Cd0.3Zn0.7S(1840 mu mol.h(-1)) was found to be 2.1- and 1.3-fold greater than those of Cd0.3Zn0.7S(884 mu mol.h(-1)) and 0.5% (w, mass fraction) Pt (1390 mu mol.h(-1)), respectively, when 0.35 mol.L-1 Na2SO3 and 0.25 mol.L-1 Na2S were used as sacrificial agents. The apparent quantum efficiency of 0.5% (y) NiS/Cd0.3Zn0.7S at 420 nm was 36.8%. The characterization of this material by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that the NiS particles provided the active sites required for H-2 evolution and transferring the photo generated electrons, and therefore enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst towards H-2 production.