Carbon nanotube modified Zn_0.83Cd_0.17S nanocomposite photocatalyst and its hydrogen production under visible-light

Visible light photocatalytic H₂ production from water splitting has received much attention for its potential application in converting solar energy into chemical energy. In this paper, carbon nanotube modified Zn_0.83Cd_0.17S nanocomposite was prepared by a solvothermal method. CNTS can efficiently suppress the growth of chalcogenide nanoparticles and improve the dispersity of the nanocomposite. The absorption edges of Zn_0.83Cd_0.17S/CNTs nanocomposites red-shift and the response of the visible-light region (500-800 nm) is strengthened with the increase of CNTs contents in the samples. The prepared Zn_0.83Cd_0.17S/CNTs nanocomposites exhibit an enhanced photocatalytic H₂-production activity and an optimum amount of CNT is determined to be ca. 0.25 wt%, at which the Zn_0.83Cd_0.17S/CNTs displays the highest photocatalytic activity under the irradiation of Xe lamp, with an H₂ production rate of 5.41 mmol h^-1 g^-1. Furthermore, the prepared Zn_0.83Cd_0.17S/CNTs nanocomposite is photostable and no photocorrosion was observed after photocatalytic recycling, compared with pure Zn_0.83Cd_0.17S photocatalyst.