Construction of shell-core Co2P/Cd0.9Zn0.1S photocatalyst by electrostatic attraction for enhancing H2 evolution

Solar energy-driven photocatalytic decomposition of water to produce H2 is of great significance for promoting the development of clean energy. To improve the efficiency of H2 production, a novel spherical Co2P/Cd0.9Zn0.1S (Co2P/CZS) composite with shell-core structure was successfully synthesized by electrostatic attraction. Under visible light irradiation, the optimal Co2P/CZS achieves an excellent H2 rate of 16.05 mmol h-1 g-1 in benzyl alcohol (PhCH2OH) solution, with a quantum efficiency of 34.3% at 450 nm. The Co2P thin layer coated on the CZS surface not only facilitates the photogenerated charge transfer from Co2P to CZS under visible light illumination, but reduces the energy barrier of PhCH2OH oxidation and H2 evolution. The present results show that shell-core Co2P/CZS composite may be one of promising catalyst to enhance the activity of H2 evolution, which provides an important reference basis for new catalyst design and wide prospects for further application of metal sulfides.