Fe3C/CdS as noble-metal-free composite photocatalyst for highly enhanced photocatalytic H2 production under visible light

Development of photocatalytic systems for scalable and inexpensive solar hydrogen (H-2) requires non-noble metal cocatalysts. Integration of Fe3C with 1D metal sulfide photo-absorber highly improved the activity and durability of photocatalytic H-2 evolution. Consequently, the enhanced hydrogen evolution rate of 195 mu mol h(-1) was achieved which is 15 times higher than that of pure CdS NRs. The apparent quantum yield was approached to 11.5 % under monochromatic 420 nm light. On the other hand, photocorrosion of the photosensitizer was hampered and the system demonstrated robust stability of 22 h under visible light. Moreover, Fe3C showcased high current density with low overpotential for electrocatalytic HER, proving it feasible for H-2 evolution. The role of Fe3C was comprehensively studied using electrochemical studies, BET surface area, PL and TRPL spectroscopy. This work demonstrated the exceptional potential of Fe3C/CdS NRs as a promising inexpensive photocatalyst with high activity and stability for H-2 production under visible light.