Zero-Dimensional/Two-Dimensional Schottky Junction of Mn0.5Cd0.5S/Ti3C2 MXene Induces Rapid Electron Transfer and Enrichment for Boosting Photocatalytic H2 Production Activity

• Published in: Energy & fuels 2024-03, Vol.38 (6), p.5457-5464
• Main Authors: Zhang, Yue, Zhang, Zhe, Li, Qiancheng, Gao, Xinglong, Lu, Qifang, Guo, Enyan, Si, Conghui, Wei, Mingzhi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Solar Energy, Solar Fuels, and Conversion of Light
• ISSN: 0887-0624; 1520-5029
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c03287

Efficient charge separation and transfer in photocatalytic systems continuously enable better water splitting for clean H2 evolution. Herein, a feasible in situ growth hydrothermal strategy by coupling an ultrathin Ti3C2 (TC) MXene nanosheet electron acceptor with a Mn0.5Cd0.5S (MCS) nanoparticle donor is introduced to construct a multifunctional donor–acceptor MCS/TC photocatalyst with a strong Schottky junction toward green and sustainable photocatalytic H2 production. The strong Schottky junction realizes a rapid carrier directional separation and transportation. The ultrathin TC nanosheets, as an electron acceptor to catalyze proton reduction, can promote the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and provide rich active sites for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Moreover, the optimal MCS/TC-10 (10 wt % TC) photocatalyst provides a highly stable photocatalytic H2 activity, up to 3730 μmol h–1 g–1, which is 9 times higher than that of Mn0.5Cd0.5S solid solution. This work will inspire the development of design principles for accelerating charge transfer for efficient photocatalytic green H2 production.