Dual cocatalyst modified CdS achieving enhanced photocatalytic H2 generation and benzylamine oxidation performance

Cocatalyst can greatly facilitate the charge separation efficiency and decrease the activation barrier of a specific reaction, thus contributing the improved photocatalytic performance. Herein, PdS/CdS/MoS2 was synthesized via a facile microwave-assisted approach. Owing to the coexistence of PdS and MoS2, respectively serving as oxidation and reduction cocatalyst, PdS/CdS/MoS2 displayed enhanced photocatalytic performance in both hydrogen production (6610 mu mol.g(-1).h(-1)) and benzylamine oxidation (87% conversion) in comparison with the individual and binary composite counterparts. The improved photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the high charge separation efficiency and lowed activation barrier. Furthermore, the introduction of PdS can timely extract photogenerated holes from CdS, which effectively inhibits the photo-corrosion of CdS, endowing it with high stability. This work paves the way for developing efficient chalcogenide photocatalysts.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the synthesis of PdS/CdS/MoS2 composite, which exhibits enhanced photocatalytic performance in hydrogen production and benzylamine oxidation. The improved activity is mainly attributed to high charge separation efficiency and lowered activation barrier. Furthermore, the introduction of PdS enhances the photo-corrosion stability of CdS.