In situ photo-assisted deposition of MoS2 electrocatalyst onto zinc cadmium sulphide nanoparticle surfaces to construct an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen generation

Abstract

We reported herein a facile and scalable preparation process for MoS₂-decorated Zn_xCd_1−xS hybrid photocatalysts for hydrogen generation. Zn_xCd_1−xS nanopowder was first prepared from commercially available precursors employing a solution based process. MoS₂ hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst was then loaded onto the Zn_xCd_1−xS nanopowder via a photo-assisted deposition process which employed mild conditions (room temperature, atmospheric pressure and visible light illumination). Thus, this process represents an important advantage in the large scale production of semiconductor/MoS₂ hybrid photocatalysts in comparison to the conventional method relying on thermal decomposition of (NH₄)₂[MoS₄] precursor at high temperature and under H₂S pressure. The best Zn_0.2Cd_0.8S/MoS₂ 3% showed two hundred-and-ten times (210 times) faster hydrogen generation rate on visible light illumination compared with that obtained for un-treated Zn_0.2Cd_0.8S. That was the most impressive catalytic enhancement ever recorded for a semiconductor photocatalyst decorated with a noble metal free electrocatalyst.