Noble-metal-free amorphous CoMoSx modified CdS core-shell nanowires for dramatically enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation

Abstract

Abstract Design and construction of highly efficient and stable co-catalysts are critical for the photocatalytic H2 generation from water. In this work, we report the novel CdS/CoMoSx core-shell nanowires (CCMS NWs) prepared by a facile in situ synthesis method. The in situ growth of amorphous CoMoSx shell on the surface of CdS NWs core efficiently promoted the photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation. The optimized CCMS sample containing 15\u202fmol% CoMoSx (CCMS-15) achieves a H2 evolution rate as high as 477.96\u202fμmol·h−1 under visible light irradiation, up to 26.3 times over bare CdS (18.2\u202fμmol·h−1). Moreover, the constructed core-shell CdS/CoMoSx photocatalyst shows a long-term stability without noticeable activity degradation. Based on the detailed analyses of PL, UV–vis DRS, transient photocurrent responses, EIS, Mott-Schottky plots and ESR, the significantly enhanced activity is ascribed to the synergistic effect of increased visible light absorption, suppressed photo-generated charge carries recombination and the amorphous defective structure of CoMoSx co-catalyst. In consideration of its facile synthesis, low cost, and superior performance, the amorphous CoMoSx appears to be promising co-catalyst for photocatalytic water splitting.