Preparation of Ni2P on twinned Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanocrystals for high-efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

Developing efficient non-precious metal semiconductor photocatalysts is highly desirable for photocatalytically splitting water. In this work, the composite of the nanocrystal twinned Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S (ZCS) solid solution decorated with highly dispersed Ni 2 P nanoparticles was successfully formed by in situ growth method, and it exhibited remarkable photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of visible light. A high rate of hydrogen production of 30473 µmol h −1 g −1 was achieved, and the apparent quantum yield (AQY) was as high as 83.5% at 420 nm. Moreover, the sample could maintain outstanding photocatalytic hydrogenation activity after 4-cycle continuous catalytic process. The unique nano-twinned structure of ZCS and synergistic effects between the Ni 2 P and the twinned ZCS are responsible for the dramatically improved catalytic activities of photocatalysts composite. Graphic abstract Ni 2 P is highly dispersible on the surface of ZCS with distinctive double lattice structure, and it exhibits remarkable visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen production activity