Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from the splitting of water over Cd_1-xZn _xS/K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀ composites under visible light irradiation

Abstract

A series of Cd_1-xZn _xS/K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀ composites were synthesized via a simple co-precipitation method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection (UV-Vis), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The composite structures consisted of Cd_1-xZn _xS nanoparticles evenly distributed on the surface of K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀. The absorption edge of K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀ shifted to the visible light region upon introduction of the Cd_1-xZn _xS nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activities of the catalysts were evaluated by hydrogen production under visible light irradiation. The prepared Cd_0.8Zn_0.2S(30wt%)/K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀ exhibited higher photocatalytic activity, evolving 6.92 mmol/g H₂ under visible light irradiation for 3 h. The promoted photocatalytic activity of the composites was attributed to the synergistic effect between Cd_1-xZn _xS and K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀, which resulted in enhanced separation of photogenerated electrons and holes.

Keywords

Cd_1-xZn _xS/K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀ composites / photocatalysis / hydrogen evolution / water splitting

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