Elucidating the Origin of Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production on Tuned Cu7 S4 /CdS Heterostructures.

ABSTRACT

Direct Z-scheme Cu7 S4 /CdS Janus photocatalysts are successfully prepared by cation exchange method. Extensive studies containing single-nanoparticle impact electrochemistry are performed and reveal that optimizing the Cu7 S4 /CdS ratio can decrease the accumulation of holes on valence band of CdS for inhibiting photo-corrosion and promote the accumulation of electrons on the conduction band of Cu7 S4 for boosting the electron reducibility. With the optimized heterostructures, hydrogen evolution is remarkable promoted up to 21.62 mmol/g/h and quantum efficiency is up to 14.37% using polylactic acid plastic waste as feedstock.