Co3C as a promising cocatalyst for superior photocatalytic H2production based on swift electron transfer processes

Rana Muhammad Irfan, Mudassir Hussain Tahir, Shahid Iqbal, Mubashar Nadeem, Tariq Bashir, Mudassar Maqsood, Jianqing Zhao, Lijun Gao

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

49 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Photocatalytic hydrogen production using solar energy has been envisaged as an ultimate energy solution for the future. However, expensive and noble-metal based photocatalysts limit its industrial applications. Herein, highly efficient photocatalytic H2production has been achieved using Co3C as a noble-metal-free cocatalyst on CdS nanorods (NRs). An enhanced hydrogen evolution rate of 315 μmol h−1was obtained using the optimized photocatalyst. 420 nm light, an apparent quantum yield of 19% was achieved which is among the best reported carbide-based catalysts. To study the versatile role of Co3C as a cocatalyst, ZnIn2S4and g-C3N4nanosheets were employed as photosensitizers. The obtained results successfully demonstrated that Co3C has the ability to play a role as a universal cocatalyst for photocatalytic H2production. Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies were utilized to propose an appropriate mechanism for the present excellent photocatalytic H2production. This study showed that Co3C has excessive potential as a promising cocatalyst for inexpensive H2production.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3145-3154
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C
Volume9
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Mar 2021
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

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