Cobalt nitride as an efficient cocatalyst on CdS nanorods for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production in water

Photocatalytic splitting of water to hydrogen (H-2) has attracted much attention because of its potential to address the concerns of air pollution and energy shortage. In this present study, we report that noble-metal-free cobalt nitride (Co3N) can be used as an efficient cocatalyst on CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) for photocatalytic H-2 production in water under visible light irradiation. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra and photoelectrochemical measurements indicated that the loading of Co3N onto CdS NRs can facilitate the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers, leading to an enhanced photocatalytic activity for H-2 production. The H-2 production rate reached similar to 137.33 ae mol h(-1) mg(-1) (lambda > 420 nm) and the apparent quantum yield (AQY) was similar to 14.9% at 450 nm.