Cauliflower-like MnxCd1−xS modified with Ni2P for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution

Modification with co-catalyst has been regarded as an effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity of Mn x Cd 1−x S. Herein, cauliflower-like Mn x Cd 1−x S decorated with Ni 2 P nanoparticles has been prepared via solvothermal method. Experiment results confirmed that modification with Ni 2 P could promote charge transfer efficiency and boost surface reaction rate of Mn x Cd 1−x S. The superior activity of 14.20 mmol g −1 h −1 was obtained over the 3 wt% Ni 2 P/Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S composite, which was approximately an 8.3-fold enhancement over pure Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S. Furthermore, the activity over Mn 0.2 Cd 0.8 S modified with Ni 2 P was higher than other Ni-based co-catalysts (Ni, Ni 2 S, Ni(OH) 2 , NiB and NiSe 2 ) modification. This work offers a new perspective to design highly efficient photocatalytic system towards H 2 evolution.