Optimal d-band-induced Cu3N as a cocatalyst on metal sulfides for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

The development of highly active and non-noble cocatalysts is crucial for sustainable hydrogen (H₂) generation through photocatalytic water splitting. Herein, Cu₃N nanocrystals (∼15 nm) have been first used as a cocatalyst coupled with CdS for efficient photocatalytic H₂ evolution with a rate of ∼4512 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, achieving a dramatic improvement of 851-fold compared to bare CdS. Mechanistic studies revealed that the appropriate d-band center of Cu₃N (−1.875 eV) with promoted photogenerated charge carrier kinetics induced its intrinsic activity, as a result of the balance between the adsorption and desorption of H species.