title: Biomolecule-assisted synthesis of defect-mediated Cd1-xZnxS/MoS2/graphene hollow spheres for highly efficient hydrogen evolution.
abstract: Moderate efficiency and the utilization of noble metal cocatalysts are the key factors that restrict the large-scale application of photocatalytic hydrogen production. To develop more efficient photocatalysts based on earth abundant elements, either a new material strategy or a fundamental understanding of the semiconductor/cocatalyst interfaces is highly desirable. In this paper, we studied the feasibility of in situ formation of defect-rich cocatalysts on graphene-based photocatalysts. A facile biomolecule-assisted strategy was used to self-assmble Cd1-xZnxS/MoS2/graphene hollow spheres. The defect-mediated cocatalyst and synergetic charge transfer around heterostructured interfaces exhibit a significant impact on the visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of multicomponent solid solutions. With engineered interfacial defects, Cd0.8Zn0.2S/MoS2/graphene hollow spheres exhibited a 63-fold improved H2 production rate, which was even 2 and 3.8 times higher than those of CdS/MoS2/graphene hollow spheres and Cd0.8Zn0.2S/Pt. Therefore, our research provides a promising approach for the rational design of high-efficiency and low-cost photocatalysts for solar fuel production.
authors.affiliation: Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, 100083, Beijing, P. R. China. zyh@cugb.edu.cn xlyu@cugb.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Ruifeng
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Du
authors.forename: Yihe
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Baoying
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Xuelian
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Huijuan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Xiaoqiang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: An
authors.forename: Jiuhui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Qu