CdS/ZnS core-shell nanorod heterostructures co-deposited with ultrathin MoS₂ cocatalyst for competent hydrogen...

Hydrogen generation via semiconductor photocatalysts has gained significant attention as a sustainable fuel generation process. To demonstrate the performance of nanoscale core-shell heterostructure in photocatalytic hydrogen production, we have fabricated CdS nanorods coated with ZnS photocatalyst via wet-chemical reaction followed by deposition of ultrathin MoS₂ nanosheets by photo reduction process. The effect of ZnS content and suitable amount of MoS₂ loading over the visible-light induced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution was examined in Na₂S and Na₂SO₃ aqueous solutions. Interestingly, it is apparent that a close connection (or heterojunction) between CdS and ZnS is believed to easily tunnel the charge carriers to the surplus surface states, making its electrons and holes energetically favourable to transfer from ZnS to MoS₂ for photocatalytic reactions and subsequently, enhances the H₂ evolution activity in CdS/ZnS type I core-shell heterostructures. The optimal MoS₂ concentration is resolved to be 7 mol% and the subsequent visible-light induced H₂ generation rate was 13589 μmol h^-1g^-1, which is 19 and 158 fold higher than pristine CdS and ZnS respectively. The probable photocatalytic mechanism of CdS/ZnS type I core-shell heterostructure with MoS₂ cocatalyst is proposed. Our inexpensive and convenient preparation strategy may offer novel prospects in the engineering of desirable nanoheterostructures with better performance.