Optimal d-band-induced Cu3N as a cocatalyst on metal sulfides for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The development of highly active and non-noble cocatalysts is crucial for sustainable hydrogen (H-2) generation through photocatalytic water splitting. Herein, Cu3N nanocrystals (similar to 15 nm) have been first used as a cocatalyst coupled with CdS for efficient photocatalytic H-2 evolution with a rate of similar to 4512 mu mol g(-1) h(-1), achieving a dramatic improvement of 851-fold compared to bare CdS. Mechanistic studies revealed that the appropriate d-band center of Cu3N (-1.875 eV) with promoted photogenerated charge carrier kinetics induced its intrinsic activity, as a result of the balance between the adsorption and desorption of H species.