CoP-modified CdS for enhanced stability and photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light

Abstract

The weak electron–hole separation ability and the more severe photocorrosion of CdS largely limit its hydrogen precipitation performance. In this study, CoP loading on the surface of CdS was utilized to form a type I heterojunction. The photocurrent density increased from 2 μA cm⁻² to 20 μA cm⁻². When the loading of CoP was 10%, the best photocatalytic performance reached 4.43 mmolg⁻¹ h⁻¹ under visible light, which was 20.1 times higher than that of CdS (0.22 mmolg⁻¹ h⁻¹). In addition, the loading of CoP solved the problem of CdS photocorrosion. After 5 cycles of simulated solar irradiation, the performance of 10% CoP/CdS remained at 93% of the initial test. This work provides new ideas for the design of low photocorrosion and high-performance catalysts.