Embedding Au quantum dots in rimous cadmium sulfide nanospheres for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Rational design and development of new-generation photocatalysts with high hydrogen evolution activity is recognized as an effective strategy to settle energy crisis. To this regard, hybrid photocatalysts of Au quantum dots embedded in rimous cadmium sulfide nanospheres are synthesized by using a simple hydrothermal process followed by photoreduction. The rimous cadmium sulfide nanospheres with rough surface and irregular fissures greatly strengthen their adhesion and interaction with Au quantum dots, which effectively facilitates the separation, restrains the recombination, and accelerates the consumption of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. Impressively, the highest photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation (601.2 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ ) and organic pollutant degradation (100% degradation in 80 min) is obtained by adjusting the Au mass loading to achieve uniform distribution. This work paves new way to the exploitation of highly efficient metal/semiconductor hybrid photocatalysts for clean energy generation and environment restoration.