Direct Z-scheme CoS/g-C3N4 heterojunction with NiS co-catalyst for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Facilitating the separation of photoexcited electron-hole pairs and enhancing the migration of photogenerated carriers are essential in photocatalytic reaction. CoS/g-C 3 N 4 /NiS ternary photocatalyst was prepared by hydrothermal and physical stirring methods. The optimized ternary composite achieved a hydrogen yield of 1.93 mmol g −1 h −1 , 12.8 times that of bare g-C 3 N 4 , with an AQE of 16.4% at 420 nm. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of CoS/g-C 3 N 4 /NiS was mainly ascribed to the synergistic interaction between the Z-scheme heterojunction constructed by CoS and g-C 3 N 4 and the NiS co-catalyst featuring a large amount of hydrogen precipitation sites, which realized the efficient separation and migration of photogenerated carriers. In addition, the CoS/g-C 3 N 4 /NiS heterojunction-co-catalyst system exhibited excellent photocatalytic stability and recyclability. • CoS/g-C 3 N 4 /NiS ternary photocatalyst was prepared by hydrothermal and physical stirring methods. • A large amount of hydrogen precipitation sites are available on CoS/g-C 3 N 4 /NiS ternary photocatalyst. • The Z-scheme heterojunction combined with the co-catalyst promoted the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers.