Cobalt nitride as an efficient cocatalyst on CdS nanorods for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production in water

Abstract

Photocatalytic splitting of water to hydrogen (H₂) has attracted much attention because of its potential to address the concerns of air pollution and energy shortage. In this present study, we report that noble-metal-free cobalt nitride (Co₃N) can be used as an efficient cocatalyst on CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) for photocatalytic H₂ production in water under visible light irradiation. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra and photoelectrochemical measurements indicated that the loading of Co₃N onto CdS NRs can facilitate the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers, leading to an enhanced photocatalytic activity for H₂ production. The H₂ production rate reached ∼137.33 μmol h⁻¹ mg⁻¹ (λ > 420 nm) and the apparent quantum yield (AQY) was ∼14.9% at 450 nm.