Unique 1D Cd₁₋<i>_x</i>Zn<i>_x</i>S@O‐MoS₂/NiO<i>_x</i> Nanohybrids: Highly Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution via Integrated Structural Regulation

Abstract

Development of noble-metal-free photocatalysts for highly efficient sunlight-driven water splitting is of great interest. Nevertheless, for the photocatalytic H₂ evolution reaction (HER), the integrated regulation study on morphology, electronic band structures, and surface active sites of catalyst is still minimal up to now. Herein, well-defined 1D Cd_1- _x Zn_x S@O-MoS₂ /NiO_x hybrid nanostructures with enhanced activity and stability for photocatalytic HER are prepared. Interestingly, the band alignments, exposure of active sites, and interfacial charge separation of Cd_1- _x Zn_x S@O-MoS₂ /NiO_x are optimized by tuning the Zn-doping content as well as the growth of defect-rich O-MoS₂ layer and NiO_x nanoparticles, which endow the hybrids with excellent HER performances. Specifically, the visible-light-driven (>420 nm) HER activity of Cd_1- _x Zn_x S@O-MoS₂ /NiO_x with 15% Zn-doping and 0.2 wt% O-MoS₂ (CZ_0.15 S-0.2M-NiO_x ) in lactic acid solution (66.08 mmol h^-1 g^-1 ) is about 25 times that of Pt loaded CZ_0.15 S, which is further increased to 223.17 mmol h^-1 g^-1 when using Na₂ S/Na₂ SO₃ as the sacrificial agent. Meanwhile, in Na₂ S/Na₂ SO₃ solution, the CZ_0.15 S-0.2M-NiO_x sample demonstrates an apparent quantum yield of 64.1% at 420 nm and a good stability for HER under long-time illumination. The results presented in this work can be valuable inspirations for the exploitation of advanced materials for energy-related applications.