Ni(OH)₂ Nanosheets Modified Hexagonal Pyramid CdS Formed Type II Heterojunction Photocatalyst with High-Visible-Light H₂ Evolution

Abstract

CdS has a wide visible-light response range and suitable energy band structure; it has been spotlighted in the field of photocatalysis. Nevertheless, its poor photogenerated carriers separation efficiency leads to dissatisfying photocatalytic H2 production activity. In this work, we prepared a hexagonal pyramid CdS-Ni(OH)2 hybrid photocatalyst. The maximal photocatalytic H2 production rate of CdS-Ni(OH)2 hybrid photocatalyst was 29.51 mmol/h/g, which was 5.6 times and 1.9 times higher than the hexagonal pyramid CdS and CdS-Pt. A type II heterojunction can be formed between CdS and Ni(OH)2. The separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers can be improved effectively. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that photogenerated holes can transfer from CdS to Ni(OH)2, which effectively improved the photogenerated holes transfer and accelerated the oxidation of the sacrifice agent. Finally, the photocatalytic H2 production activity can be significantly promoted.