Hollow Cd0.9In0.1Se/Cu2MoS4 nanocube S-scheme heterojunction towards high photocatalytic hydrogen production

The solar-driven hydrogen production from water splitting using the composite photocatalyst is a potentially efficient strategy to achieve a stable supply of renewable hydrogen energy. Herein, hollow Cd0.9In0.1Se/Cu2MoS4 nanocubes were prepared through hydrothermal and thermal deposition methods. And the optimized Cd0.9In0.1Se/Cu2MoS4 photocatalyst displayed a high hydrogen production rate of 6358.42 pmol g-1 h-1 and great long-term recyclability. The hollow structure of Cu2MoS4 efficiently improved the utilization ratio of visible light. When Cd0.9In0.1Se nanoparticles was modified on the surface of hollow Cu2MoS4 nanocubes, the S-scheme heterojunction was formed and the built-in electric field at the interface was produced. It effectively facilitated the charge separation and transfer and reduced the recombination of photo-generated electrons and holes, thus enhancing the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity. This work provides a new insight for improving photocatalytic hydrogen production performance from the point of view of the hollow structure composite photocatalyst.

Automated summary

Solar-driven water splitting using composite photocatalyst is a potential strategy for stable renewable hydrogen production. In this study, hollow Cd0.9In0.1Se/Cu2MoS4 nanocubes were prepared and the optimized photocatalyst exhibited high hydrogen production rate and recyclability. The hollow structure of Cu2MoS4 improved the utilization of visible light, and the introduction of Cd0.9In0.1Se nanoparticles formed an S-scheme heterojunction, enhancing the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity. This work provides new insights for improving the performance of photocatalytic hydrogen production using hollow structure composite photocatalyst.