Construction of highly efficient CuS/CdS nanostructure for enhanced solar H2 evolution

The fabrication of efficient photocatalytic system for enhanced production of hydrogen is exceptionally thought-provoking. To address this issue herein we fabricated the CuS/CdS heterostructures by ultrasonication for photocatalytic H2 production. The structural integrity of the produced heterostructure is confirmed by the aid of analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction studies (XRD), Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The fabricated CuS/CdS sample exhibited the highest H2 production rate (824 mu mol/g) than CuS (67 mu mol/g) and CdS (135 mu mol/g) under simulated solar illumination. The hydrogen output is noticeably enhanced due to improved absorption of visible light and competent charge carrier partition. It was confirmed by UV-vis diffuse reflectivity and photoluminescence spectra (PL) as charge carrier parting was effective as absorption of visible light was enhanced. A plausible photocatalytic H2 reaction mechanism has been elucidated from increased charge carrier division and visible light absorptivity. This work depicts a new approach for greatly resourceful nano architecture for energy-related applications.