Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light by ternary composite CdS@NU-1000/RGO

Herein, hydrogen production from an aqueous medium over a Zr(IV) metal-organic framework (NU-1000) under visible-light irradiation is presented. Photodeposition of CdS nanoparticles onto NU-1000 gives CdS@NU-1000. A ternary composite that hybridizes CdS with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) (different proportions) and NU-1000 was prepared (CdS@NU-1000/RGO). CdS@NU-1000 and CdS@NU-1000/1%RGO exhibit 9.35 and 12.1 times higher photocatalytic activities than commercial CdS under visible light, respectively. More importantly, in sharp contrast with the obvious deterioration in photoactivity of CdS, CdS@NU-1000/1%RGO displayed significantly enhanced photostability. This study clearly demonstrates the advantage of MOF supported CdS nanoparticles for enhancing the photocatalytic H-2 evolution activity with good stability.