title: Construction of CuS/Au Heterostructure through a Simple Photoreduction Route for Enhanced Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution and Photocatalysis.
abstract: An efficient Hydrogen evolution catalyst has been developed by decorating Au nanoparticle on the surface of CuS nanostructure following a green and environmental friendly approach. CuS nanostructure is synthesized through a simple wet-chemical route. CuS being a visible light photocatalyst is introduced to function as an efficient reducing agent. Photogenerated electron is used to reduce Au(III) on the surface of CuS to prepare CuS/Au heterostructure. The as-obtained heterostructure shows excellent performance in electrochemical H2evolution reaction with promising durability in acidic condition, which could work as an efficient alternative for novel metals. The most efficient CuS-Au heterostructure can generate 10 mA/cm2current density upon application of 0.179 V vs. RHE. CuS-Au heterostructure can also perform as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutant. This dual nature of CuS and CuS/Au both in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis has been unveiled in this study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, BITS Pilani, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
authors.forename: Mrinmoyee
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Basu
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, BITS Pilani, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
authors.forename: Roshan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nazir
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, BITS Pilani, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
authors.forename: Pragati
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fageria
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, BITS Pilani, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
authors.forename: Surojit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pande