Dual-functional photocatalyst of CoSx/Cd0.7Zn0.3S without noble metals for efficient selective benzaldehyde synthesis coupled with H2 production

Abstract

Coupling hydrogen production with selective organic synthesis in one cooperative manner offers a novel strategy for green synthesis by virtue of the photogenerated carriers. Herein, a dual-functional photocatalyst of CoS_x/Cd_0.7Zn_0.3S without noble metals is reported for efficient selective benzaldehyde (BAD) synthesis coupled with H₂ production. The CoS_x/Cd_0.7Zn_0.3S composite showed a higher photocatalytic performance than Cd_0.7Zn_0.3S and 1 wt% Pt/Cd_0.7Zn_0.3S, which was attributed to the loaded CoS_x, as the cocatalyst, which could accumulate the photogenerated electrons from Cd_0.7Zn_0.3S, promote the separation of photogenerated charge carriers, and reduce the overpotential of hydrogen production. This study provides a new strategy for the design and synthesis of low-cost, high-efficiency composite materials for photocatalytic efficient selective benzaldehyde (BAD) synthesis coupled with H₂ production.