Construction of a unique 2D/0D NiO/ZnCdS p–n hetero junction photocatalyst with highly improved photocatalytic H2 generation capacity

Abstract

ZnCdS solid solution has attracted increasing attention in visible-light photocatalytic applications due to its suitable band gap structures. However, the practical utilization of ZnCdS still faces significant challenges because of its low photocatalytic efficiency, mainly caused by the fast recombination of photoexcited charge carriers. Herein, an efficient and robust 2D/0D NiO/ZnCdS heterojunction was synthesized for visible-light-driven photocatalytic H₂ generation. By controlling the amount of NiO nanosheets, the 5% NiO/ZnCdS composite displayed a H₂ generation rate of 5042 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, about 38.2 times higher than that of ZnCdS nanoparticles. The highly improved catalytic performances of the NiO/ZnCdS photocatalysts could be attributed to the formation of 2D/0D p–n heterojunctions, effectively facilitating interfacial photoexcited charge transfer. Our study will afford an encouraging method to synthesize a novel 0D/2D p–n heterostructure for solar energy conversion.