Ni(OH) Nanosheet as an Efficient Cocatalyst for Improved Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution over CdZnS Nanorods under Visible Light.

Loading cocatalysts to promote spatial charge separation has been confirmed as an effective method for improving photocatalytic hydrogen production. This article reports that the synthesis of Ni(OH)/CdZnS nanorod photocatalyst is suitable for photocatalytic H generation under visible light. It can be proven that the binary photocatalyst exhibits a one-dimensional nanorod morphological structure. Ni(OH) nanosheets occupy the top area of CdZnS nanorods. The photocatalytic H production rate can reach 132.93 mmol·h·g, which corresponds to an apparent quantum efficiency of up to 76.5% at a wavelength of 460 nm. In addition, the Ni(OH) nanosheet can aggregate the light-incited electrons of CdZnS, inhibiting the confluence of electrons and holes. The detailed analysis of its mechanism through characterization methods such as photoluminescence and electrochemical measurement shows that the significant improvement in photocatalytic performance derives from the effective spatial separation of photo-induced charge carriers. Therefore, this synthesis strategy of one-dimensional materials may bring new prospects for more efficient, stable, and sustainable photocatalysis for water splitting.