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Published on: February 11, 2016
Hierarchical Self-Assembled CuS@CdS-Pt Core-Shell Heterojunctions with Photothermal Effect for Photoelectrochemical
Yao Li1, Shicheng Xu1, Qi Lan1
1State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba, Chongqing400044, PR China.
Abstract:
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting provides a sustainable pathway for hydrogen production, yet achieving efficient and stable photoanodes continues to be a formidable obstacle. Herein, a core-shell CuS@CdS-Pt photoanode is constructed via in situ hydrothermal self-assembly followed by Pt surface modification. The Z-scheme heterojunction between CdS and CuS generates the built-in electric field (IEF), stimulating spatial separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs while preserving strong redox capability. Building on this, a synergistic dual-thermal effect is proposed and demonstrated. Specifically, the photothermal effect of CuS enhances thermal conductivity via non-radiative relaxation-induced phonon transport along the lattice, accelerating water oxidation kinetics and boosting charge separation efficiency. Meanwhile, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of surface-decorated Pt strengthens the local electromagnetic field, injects hot electrons, and provides additional thermal energy, synergistically regulating carrier separation and transport. Consequently, the optimized CuS@CdS-Pt photoanode achieves a photocurrent density of 3.92 mA cm-2 at 1.23 VRHE under near-infrared (NIR) auxiliary irradiation, a Faradaic efficiency of 90.3%, and retains 90% initial photocurrent after 20 h of uninterrupted running, to our knowledge exceeding all prior CdS-based photoanodes. This work integrates heterojunction engineering with the dual-thermal effect, providing a new strategy for designing high-efficiency, durable photoanodes for PEC water splitting.
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