Interfacial-Engineered Co3S4/MnCdS Heterostructure for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Herein, a novel non-noble metal photocatalyst Co3S4/MnCdS (CS/MCS) for highly efficient hydrogen evolution has been successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal method. Due to the work function difference between CS and MCS, an interfacial internal electric field is formed at the interface region of CS/MCS when the two components are in intimate contact. Upon light illumination, the photogenerated charge carriers transfer in S-scheme-like type through the interfacial Co-S bonds. This facilitates charge separation and diffusion and broadens light absorption of the photocatalyst. Thus, the obtained CS/MCS composite shows a superior photocatalytic performance of 7,999.89 & mu;mol h(-1) g(-1) with a 4.88% apparent quantum efficiency at 420 nm and a good photostability (about 96.2% H-2 evolution retention over 5 cycles). To the best of our knowledge, this is a rare research on S-scheme heterostructure characteristic of type-I energy band alignment. This work provides new ideas for developing more efficient noble-metal-free photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution.

Automated summary

Here, a novel non-noble metal photocatalyst Co3S4/MnCdS (CS/MCS) was successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal method, achieving highly efficient hydrogen evolution. The interface region of CS/MCS exhibits an interfacial internal electric field due to the work function difference between CS and MCS. Under light illumination, the photogenerated charge carriers transfer in S-scheme-like type, resulting in enhanced charge separation and diffusion, as well as broadened light absorption. The obtained CS/MCS composite shows superior photocatalytic performance and good photostability, providing new ideas for developing efficient noble-metal-free photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution.