Back to Search Start Over

Synthesis of multiphase Au/Cd0.6Zn0.4S/ZnS photocatalysts for improved photocatalytic performance.

Authors :
Kozlova, Ekaterina A.
Gribov, Evgenii N.
Kurenkova, Anna Yu.
Cherepanova, Svetlana V.
Gerasimov, Evgeny Yu.
Kozlov, Denis V.
Source :
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. Sep2019, Vol. 44 Issue 42, p23589-23599. 11p.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Novel composite photocatalysts consisting of a cadmium and zinc sulfide solid solution (Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal treatment of suspended Cd 0.3 Zn 0.7 S at 120 °C. The as-obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV-VIS diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The obtained photocatalysts were tested in the photocatalytic evolution of hydrogen from a Na 2 S/Na 2 SO 3 aqueous solution under visible light irradiation (λ = 450 nm). It is shown that the hydrothermal treatment of Cd 0.3 Zn 0.7 S at 120 °C increases the activity by a factor of 7.5 due to the phase transformations of the solid solution with the formation of the multiphase Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S/ZnS sample. The deposition of gold on the surface of Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S/ZnS leads to a further increase in activity: the achieved photocatalytic activity and quantum efficiency (450 nm) for 1%Au/Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S/ZnS are 17.4 mmol g−1 h−1 and 42.6%, respectively. This excellent performance is found to be attributable to the transformation of Cd 1-x Zn x S from the cubic to the hexagonal phase during the hydrothermal treatment. Additionally, photoelectrodes based on Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S/ZnS and FTO were synthesized and tested in a two-electrode cell. A high value of the photocurrent equal to 0.5 mA/cm2 is achieved for the Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S/ZnS/FTO electrode. An investigation by means of impedance spectroscopy reveals the longer lifetime of photogenerated charge carriers in the Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S/ZnS/FTO photoelectrode if to compare with Cd 0.3 Zn 0.7 S/FTO system. Image 1 • Au/Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S/ZnS photocatalysts were prepared via simple hydrothermal synthesis. • The highest value of the photocatalytic activity was 17.4 mmol H 2 per hour per gram. • The highest apparent quantum efficiency was 42.6% (450 nm). • Photocurrent 0.5 mA/cm2 was achieved for the Cd 0.6 Zn 0.4 S/ZnS/FTO electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03603199
Volume :
44
Issue :
42
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
138203039
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.07.081