Integration of perovskite type Bi2MoO6 nanosheets onto one dimensional CdS: a type-II heterostructured photocatalytic system for efficient charge separation in the hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

The exploration of proficient and stable H₂ producing photocatalysts, specifically materials without noble metals, is highly anticipated, to initiate solar fuel generation for practical applications. Herein, novel CdS-Bi₂MoO₆ core–shell heterostructures (CdS-BMO CSHs) are prepared by a two-step solvothermal method, in which Bi₂MoO₆ nanosheets are grown on the surface of CdS nanorods. The resultant CdS-BMO CSHs display efficient charge separation and a low electron–hole recombination rate, promising excellent interfacial charge transfer properties. Meanwhile, the enhanced specific surface area and pore structure impart CdS-BMO CSHs with abundant active sites for the H₂ evolution reaction. As a result, a heterojunction of CdS-BMO CSHs shows remarkable improvement in the photocatalytic H₂ evolution reaction under visible light irradiation. The H₂ evolution rate of optimized CdS-BMO CSHs is six times that of pristine CdS and ten times that of Bi₂MoO₆ nanosheets. This work could contribute to the further development of novel and highly efficient photocatalysts for the H₂ evolution reaction.