Loading Co3N nanoparticles as efficient cocatalysts over Zn0.5Cd0.5S for enhanced H2 evolution under visible light.

Exploiting high performance and noble-metal-free catalysts is of great interest in photocatalytic water splitting. In this study, Co3N nanoparticles were successfully decorated on Cd0.5Zn0.5S as highly efficient co-catalysts via a facile method. The Co3N(2 wt%)/Cd0.5Zn0.5S composite sample showed the highest photocatalytic H2 evolution activity. A corresponding H2 evolution rate of 160.7 mmol h-1 g-1 was achieved in 0.35 M Na2S/0.25 M Na2SO3, which was about 25 times higher than that of a pure Cd0.5Zn0.5S sample. The H2 production rate of Co3N(2 wt%)/Cd0.5Zn0.5S reached 218.8 mmol h-1 g-1 in 1.05 M Na2S/0.75 M Na2SO3 under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) and the apparent quantum yield (AQY) was 30.2% at 420 nm.