CdO–CdS nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation from water

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2013-11, Vol.38 (35), p.15012-15018
• Main Authors: Kahane, Shital V., Sasikala, R., Vishwanadh, B., Sudarsan, V., Mahamuni, Shailaja
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; CdO–CdS nanocomposites; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; Hydrogen; Hydrogen generation; Photocatalysis
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.09.077

Nanocomposites of CdO–CdS have been prepared in ethylene glycol water mixture followed by heating at 300 °C. TEM and XRD studies confirmed the atomic scale mixing of CdO and CdS nanoparticles, leading to the formation of CdSO3 phase at the interfacial region between CdO and CdS. Photocatalytic studies for hydrogen generation from water show an enhanced activity for CdO–CdS composites compared to individual components namely CdO or CdS nanoparticles. Based on optical absorption, surface area measurements, steady state and time resolved fluorescence studies, it is established that, enhanced absorption in the visible region, higher surface area and increase in lifetime of the charge carriers are responsible for the observed increase in hydrogen yield from water when composite sample was used as the photocatalyst compared to individual components. The composite sample when combined with Pt as co-catalyst exhibit a large increase in the photocatalytic activity. [Display omitted] •CdO–CdS nanocomposites have been prepared at a relatively low temperature of 300 °C.•CdO–CdS nanocomposites show enhanced hydrogen evolution.•Lifetime of charge carriers in composite sample is higher compared to CdO and CdS.