Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with high-crystallinity and noble metal-free red phosphorus-CdS nanorods

The photocatalytic production of H 2 by low-cost semiconductors is a promising approach to store solar energy. Photocatalysts with heterojunctions convert visible light into H 2 faster because of more efficient charge separation. The morphology, the structure, and the crystallinity are additional factors to consider when developing a photocatalyst. Here, highly-crystalline CdS nanorod (NR) were synthesized by a facile one-pot process. Under visible light, pure CdS NR produced H 2 2.1 times faster than conventional CdS nanoparticles (NP). CdS NR were then combined with the semiconductor red phosphorus (RPh). A CdS NR-based heterojunction photocatalyst with RPh 5% had an excellent photocatalytic H 2 evolution rate of 11.72 mmol g −1 h −1 , which was 3.6 times higher than pure CdS NR. The apparent quantum efficiency of RPh 5% /CdS NR was 19.57%. Furthermore, RPh 5% /CdS NR exhibited a superior photogenerated charge separation efficiency and was stable with little photocorrosion compared to CdS NP showing the high potential of this heterojunction photocatalyst. • CdS nanorods with high crystallinity were synthesized by a facile one-pot method. • A heterojunction photocatalyst was fabricated combining CdS NR and red phosphorus. • RPh/CdS NR performed high-efficiency photocatalytic H 2 evolution without noble metal. • RPh/CdS NR had a PHE of 11.72 mmol g −1 h −1 with an AQE of 19.57%. • The photocatalyst was stable and had a high charge separation efficiency.