Metallic CuS decorated CdS nanowires for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible-light irradiation

Visible-light-driven photocatalysis holds a broad prospect for alleviating the energy crises. Here we report novel CuS nanoparticles/CdS nanowires Schottky heterojunctions via a two-step hydrothermal synthesis and used for photocatalytic H2 generation driven by visible-light (λ ≥ 420 nm). Compared with pure CdS NWs, the CuS/CdS nanocomposites show outstanding visible light H2 evolution, with an optimal rate reaching 2076.5 μmol h−1 g−1. The intrinsic properties of CuS/CdS nanocomposites, such as structure, optical properties, and combined configuration are systematically analyzed by experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations. The comprehensive results show that the Schottky junction between CuS NPs and CdS NWs accelerates photoinduced electron drift from semi-conductive CdS to metallic CuS, improving their activities of water splitting. This work offers a simple route to synthesize one-dimensional CdS-based nanocomposites for efficient visible-light driven energy conversion.