A novel ZSMo core-shell nanowire: An efficient photocatalyst of H2 production

A novel ZSMo core-shell nanowire photocatalyst was synthesized by ion exchange and hydrothermal methods. The photocatalytic activity of ZSMo nanocomposites was evaluated via photolysis of water to produce hydrogen. The results showed that the hydrogen generation rate of ZSMo-0.1 core-shell nanowires was the highest, which was about 23 times that of pure ZnO. The improvement of photocatalytic activity was attributed to the formation of type II and ternary heterojunctions, which enable the rapid separation of photo-induced charge carriers and capture more light radiation. It was confirmed by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photocurrent analysis.