Surface charge-induced activation of Ni-loaded CdS for efficient and robust photocatalytic dehydrogenation of methanol

Carriers generated inside semiconductors during photocatalytic processes are highly energetic and can locally drive reactions that are otherwise difficult or impossible through thermally driven catalysis. However, a model photocatalytic system with high activity and long-term stability is still lacking. Based on surface charge-induced activation, we designed a photocatalytic system of dehydrogenation of methanol and a high activity (95% photon-to-hydrogen efficiency at 405 nm) and long-term durability (still being active after operation for a week) was achieved. The presence of NiCl2 inside the system dramatically changes the adsorption behaviors of reactants and products on catalytic centers and leads to great enhancements in both the catalytic activity and long-term durability of the photocatalyst. This work highlights the importance of electronic property of the surface of catalytic centers for designing efficient and stable photocatalytic systems for solving energy and environment problems.