Engineering NiCoP nanosheet/ZnSe nanoparticle heterostructures for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

Efficient and cost-effective photocatalysts are crucial for solar-to-H₂ conversion. Here, we report a highly active photocatalyst with uniform 0D ZnSe nanoparticles modified by 2D bimetallic NiCoP nanosheets. The optimized 2D/0D NiCoP/ZnSe heterostructure achieves a H₂ evolution rate of 4271 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, significantly surpassing pristine ZnSe and the monometallic phosphide counterparts Ni₂P/ZnSe and CoP–Co₂P/ZnSe. Theoretical and experimental results reveal the mechanism of enhanced photocatalytic activity. This study provides significant insights into the exploration of bimetallic cocatalysts in photocatalytic systems.