Effective interface contact on the hierarchical 1D/2D CoO/NiCo-LDH heterojunction for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The limited photo absorption and undesirable recombination of photo carriers seriously impede the performance of photo catalysts to convert inexhaustible solar energy into hydrogen energy. Herein, we design a novel one dimensional/two dimensional (1D/2D) core-shell cobalt monoxide/nickel cobalt layered double hydroxide (CoO/NiCo-LDH) heterojunction with the effective interface contact by the bridge linkage of Co atoms. The rapid electron transport of 1D CoO nanowires and the suited energy levels of CoO and NiCo-LDH synergistic facilitate the separation and transfer of photocarriers at the interface of CoO/NiCo-LDH. In addition, this rational design enhances visible-light absorption and possesses a large surface area. Benefiting from the compositional and structural virtues, the CoO/NiCo-LDH heterojunction achieves an outstanding photocatalytic H-2 production efficiency up to 1.5 mmol g(-1)h(-1) and even maintains 96% of initial efficiency after the 480 min reaction.

Automated summary

The research introduces a novel one dimensional/two dimensional core-shell heterojunction with effective interface contact for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency, visible-light absorption, and long-term stability. The rational design of the CoO/NiCo-LDH heterojunction demonstrates outstanding performance in converting solar energy into hydrogen energy.