Composition effect on the carrier dynamics and catalytic performance of CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots for light driven
Wenhui Hu1, Sizhuo Yang1, Jier Huang1
1Department of Chemistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, USA.
Abstract:
Water soluble CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) represent one of the most promising single component photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, we report the effect of cation composition in CuInS2/ZnS QDs on the carrier relaxation and charge separation dynamics as well as their photocatalytic performance for the HER. With decreasing Cu to In ratio (increasing Cu deficiency), we observed slightly faster electron trapping and carrier recombination but significantly improved photocatalytic activity for the HER. This can be attributed to the enhanced electron transfer (ET) from the sacrificial donor to CuInS2/ZnS QDs resulting from the lower valence band (larger driving force for ET) of QDs with higher Cu deficiency. This work not only provides important insight into the mechanistic origins of the HER but also demonstrated that altering the composition in CuInS2/ZnS QDs is a viable approach to further improve their performance for solar to fuel conversion.
More Related Videos
10:15Solar-Driven Electrochemical Green Fuel Production from CO2 and Water Using Ti3C2Tx MXene-Supported CuZn and NiCo Catalysts
Published on: November 7, 2025
08:40Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production
Published on: December 6, 2021
Related Concept Videos
02:50Catalysis
02:13Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...