Counterbalancing of electron and hole transfer in quantum dots for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution

In-depth understandings of charge carrier transfer dynamics in any artificial catalytic system are of critical importance for the future design of highly efficient photocatalysts. Herein, we synthesized sub-monolayer ZnSe partial-shell coated CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots in a controlled fashion. The ZnSe decorated quantum dots were employed as a model catalyst for photogeneration of H-2 under light illumination. Both theoretical calculations and experimental results unravel that the growth of ZnSe partial-shell would retard the photogenerated electron transfer, and meanwhile, accelerate the corresponding hole migration process during the H-2 photogeneration reaction in the artificial photocatalytic system. As such, the performance of the relevant photocatalytic system can be modulated and optimized, and accordingly, a plausible underlying mechanism is rationalized.

Automated summary

In-depth understanding of charge carrier transfer dynamics in artificial catalytic systems is crucial for designing future efficient photocatalysts. By synthesizing ZnSe decorated quantum dots, the processes of electron transfer and hole migration were observed under light illumination, providing a method to modulate the performance of photocatalytic systems.