From Sunlight to Clean Energy: Harnessing Plasmonic Ni Nanoparticles and Mos2 for Sustainable Hydrogen Generation in CdXZn1-XS Photocatalysts

Exploiting the interactions of chalcogenide-based nanomaterials is crucial for advancing photocatalysis. This study investigates the utilization of plasmonic nickel nanoparticles (Ni) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) in CdXZn1-XS photocatalysts for enhanced hydrogen production. By optimizing the nickel loading in Cd0.5Zn0.5S/MoS2 photocatalysts at varying concentrations (%1, 3, 5, 7, and 10), a significant improvement in hydrogen production is achieved. Notably, the Cd0.5Zn0.5S/MoS2 photocatalyst loaded with 1% Ni demonstrates the highest hydrogen production rate, reaching 2410 µmol(h. gcat) -1 . This improvement can be attributed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Ni nanoparticles, which enhances the photocatalytic activity. The hetero-junction form of %xNi-Cd0.5Zn0.5S/MoS2, where Ni nanoparticles are present, exhibits improved photocatalytic activity by reducing surface recombination, spatially separating photo-generated charges, and providing active sites for reduction reaction. These findings highlight the significance of chalcogenide-based nanomaterial interactions and the positive impact of Ni nanoparticles on the enhancement of photocatalytic systems for efficient hydrogen production.