NiS2 co-catalyst decoration on CdLa2S4 nanocrystals for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation

• Main Authors: Yuan, Yu-Peng, Cao, Shao-Wen, Yin, Li-Sha, Xu, Lin, Xue, Can
• Other Authors: School of Materials Science & Engineering
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::Physics::Optics and light
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/97409; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/10032
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

NiS2 nanoparticles as noble metal-free co-catalyst were deposited onto the CdLa2S4 photocatalyst through a hydrothermal process. The loading of NiS2 co-catalyst resulted in remarkable enhancement for H2 production over the CdLa2S4 photocatalyst under visible light irradiation. The optimal hybrid photocatalyst with 2 wt% NiS2 loading exhibited a H2 production rate of 2.5 mmolh-1g-1, which was more than 3 times higher than that of pristine CdLa2S4 photocatalyst. The promoted photocatalytic H2 production by NiS2 co-catalyst loading is attributed to the enhanced separation of photogenerated electrons and holes as well as the activation effect of NiS2 for H2 evolution.