The photogenerated charge characteristics in Ni@NiO/CdS hybrids for increased photocatalytic H2 generation

Abstract

Solar-driven H₂ generation from water splitting with semiconductor materials is considered an effective solution to solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution at a low cost. In this study, a highly efficient photocatalyst Ni@NiO/CdS for H₂ evolution was synthesised using a simple solvothermal method and calcination. The HRTEM results and elemental mapping tests confirmed that Ni@NiO was successfully loaded on the surface of CdS. For Ni@NiO loaded, Ni@NiO/CdS exhibited remarkable photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity of 87.6 μmol h⁻¹, which was about 104 times higher than that of pure CdS. The enhanced H₂ evolution activity of Ni@NiO/CdS was ascribed to the prolonged lifetime of the photogenerated charges and the reduced surface overpotential for H₂ evolution.