Interfacial engineering of 0D/2D CoMn2O4 nanoparticles/CdS nanosheets p-n heterostructures for boosted photocatalytic H2 production and U(VI) reduction

Developing effective heterojunction photocatalysts that efficiently separate charge carriers and improve light-harvesting capabilities is crucial in addressing energy and environmental issues. Herein, a unique nanocomposite photocatalyst is constructed by attaching CoMn 2 O 4 nanoparticles onto 2D CdS nanosheets for H 2 production and U(VI) reduction. The optimized 2% CoMn 2 O 4 /CdS nanocomposite showcases the highest photocatalytic H 2 production efficiency, 5.8 times higher than CdS nanosheets . Additionally, the U(VI) reduction rate constant of 2% CoMn 2 O 4 /CdS is 0.0192 min −1 , approximately 1.9 folds over the pristine CdS (0.0101 min −1 ). The exceptional photocatalytic performance toward photocatalytic H 2 evolution and U(VI) reduction reactions directly result from the electronic integration between CoMn 2 O 4 /CdS p-n heterojunction, facilitated by the efficient photoexcited charge separation. Feasible photocatalytic mechanisms are proposed through experimental analyses and theoretical calculations. This study provides a straightforward method for designing effective CdS-based heterostructured photocatalysts, contributing to the advancement of solar-to-H 2 conversion and environmental abetment.