Loading Co3N nanoparticles as efficient cocatalysts over Zn0.5Cd0.5S for enhanced H2 evolution under visible light

Abstract

Exploiting high performance and noble-metal-free catalysts is of great interest in photocatalytic water splitting. In this study, Co₃N nanoparticles were successfully decorated on Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S as highly efficient co-catalysts via a facile method. The Co₃N(2 wt%)/Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S composite sample showed the highest photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity. A corresponding H₂ evolution rate of 160.7 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ was achieved in 0.35 M Na₂S/0.25 M Na₂SO₃, which was about 25 times higher than that of a pure Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S sample. The H₂ production rate of Co₃N(2 wt%)/Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S reached 218.8 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ in 1.05 M Na₂S/0.75 M Na₂SO₃ under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) and the apparent quantum yield (AQY) was 30.2% at 420 nm.