Anchoring single Pt atoms and black phosphorene dual co-catalysts on CdS nanospheres to boost visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution

Co-catalysts play a crucial role in semiconductor-based artificial photosynthesis and stabilizing co-catalysts on heterojunction photocatalysts is essential for achieving high photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, we report novel dual co-catalysts of black phosphorene (BP) and single Pt atoms on CdS nanospheres. BP/CdS heterostructures are prepared by grinding and sonication and then single Pt atoms are deposited onto BP/CdS through a photo-reduction procedure. In addition to being anchored on the surface step edges of CdS nanospheres, Pt single-atoms with positive charge are embedded on Cd vacancies and stabilized by Pt-S covalent bonds. Single Pt atoms are immobilized on the surface of BP as well. The as-prepared Pt-BP/CdS composites are evaluated toward visible-light-driven hydrogen generation. In a range of Pt and BP loading contents, 0.5 wt% Pt-5 wt% BP/CdS composites display the greatest photoactivity and outperform pristine CdS nanospheres by a factor of 96 in terms of hydrogen evolution rate, alongside a remarkable apparent quantum efficiency of 46% at 420 nm. In-depth analyses on interfacial electronic interactions and photoexcited charge-carrier dynamics demonstrate that both single Pt atoms and BP strongly interact with CdS and synergistically steer spatial charge separation, thereby boosting photocatalytic performance. This study may pave a path to the rational design of co-catalysts at the nanoscale and atomic level for solar-to-chemical energy conversion and beyond. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel dual co-catalyst of black phosphorene (BP) and single Pt atoms on CdS nanospheres was prepared for efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen generation. The single Pt atoms interacted strongly with BP and CdS surfaces through photo-reduction and covalent bonds, enhancing the photocatalytic performance. The results demonstrate the synergistic effect of single Pt atoms and BP on spatial charge separation, leading to a significant improvement in the hydrogen evolution rate.