Efficient visible-light photocatalytic H₂ evolution with heterostructured Ag₂S modified CdS nanowires

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photocatalysis

Background:

• Cadmium sulfide (CdS) application in photocatalytic water splitting is limited by poor charge separation and photocorrosion.
• Developing efficient photocatalysts is crucial for sustainable hydrogen production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the photocatalytic performance of CdS nanowires (NWs) for water splitting.
• To construct Ag₂S/CdS heterojunctions for improved charge separation and stability.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Ag₂S nanoparticles decorated CdS nanowires (Ag₂S/CdS heterojunction).
• Systematic characterization of structural, optical, and surface chemical properties using experimental techniques.
• Theoretical calculations to understand charge transfer mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The Ag₂S/CdS heterojunction achieved an optimal H₂ evolution rate of 777.3 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, 12.1 times higher than pure CdS.
• Demonstrated accelerated photoinduced electron transfer from CdS to Ag₂S.
• Efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs facilitated by hole reactions on CdS.

Conclusions:

• Ag₂S decoration effectively improves the photocatalytic activity of CdS NWs.
• The constructed Ag₂S/CdS heterojunction enhances visible light-driven energy conversion for water splitting.
• This study presents a facile method for synthesizing 1D CdS-based nanocomposites for efficient photocatalysis.