Preparation of Ni12P5-decorated Cd0.5Zn0.5S for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution

Highlights: • Ni₁₂P₅ was firstly fabricated by using red phosphorus as phosphorus source. • Ni₁₂P₅ decorated Cd_0·5Zn_0·5S was obtained by an in-situ hydrothermal method. • H₂ production AQE of 10%-Ni₁₂P₅/Cd_0·5Zn_0·5S reaches 24.5% under 400 (±5) nm. • The charge transfer pathway was revealed by hydroxyl radical test using TA as indicator. -- Abstract: Herein, Ni₁₂P₅/Cd_0·5Zn_0·5S composites were synthesized through a two-step hydrothermal method to enhance the photocatalytic H₂ production. The results show that 10%-Ni₁₂P₅/Cd_0·5Zn_0·5S composites exhibited the highest H₂ production rate with 46.82 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, which was 5.1 times higher than that of monomer Cd_0·5Zn_0.5S. The apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) was 24.5% under 400 (±5) -nm light irradiation. The improved activity can be attributed to the enhanced light absorption and promoted separation of photogenerated charge carriers after Ni₁₂P₅ was introduced. The structures, morphology and photoelectrochemical properties are investigated in detail. This work provides a convenient and low cost method to develop high-efficiency photocatalyst for environmental and energy-related applications.