In-situ growth of CdS quantum dots on g-C3N4 nanosheets for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation

• Main Authors: Cao, Shao-Wen, Yuan, Yu-Peng, Fang, Jun, Mohammad Mehdi Shahjamali, Barber, James, Boey, Freddy Yin Chiang, Loo, Say Chye Joachim, Xue, Can
• Other Authors: School of Materials Science & Engineering
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::Chemistry::Physical chemistry::Quantum chemistry
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/96940; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/9981
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Well dispersed CdS quantum dots were successfully grown in-situ on g-C3N4 nanosheets through a solvothermal method involving dimethyl sulfoxide. The resultant CdSeC3N4 nanocomposites exhibit remarkably higher efficiency for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation as compared to pure g-C3N4. The optimal composite with 12 wt% CdS showed a hydrogen evolution rate of 4.494 mmol h 1 g 1 , which is more than 115 times higher than that of pure g-C3N4. The enhanced photocatalytic activity induced by the in-situ grown CdS quantum dots is attributed to the interfacial transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes between g-C3N4 and CdS, which leads to effective charge separation on both parts.