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3DOM N/TiO2 composite modified by CdS QDs with Z-scheme: enhanced photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen evolution

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Abstract

3DOM CdS QDs-N/TiO2 composite was synthesized by CdS quantum dots (QDs) modified on the surface of 3DOM N/TiO2, of which the main component is anatase TiO2. The crystallinity of TiO2 is improved by using polystyrene (PS) colloidal microspheres as the template. The introduction of CdS QDs not only expands the light absorption range of 3DOM N/TiO2, but also a Z-scheme heterojunction optimizing the charge transfer is formed. The results of photoluminescence spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance show that the lifetime of photogenerated charge carrier is prolonged in the composite 3DOM CdS QDs-N/TiO2, and the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs is suppressed effectively. Compared with the main catalyst TiO2, the photocatalytic activity of 3DOM CdS QDs-N/TiO2 is significantly enhanced. In the photohydrogen production experiment, the photohydrogen production capacity of 3DOM CdS QDs-N/TiO2 composite material (2247 μmol·g−1, 8 h) is 172.8 times that of the commercially available P25. After using 2.0 wt% Pt as a co-catalyst, the amount of hydrogen evolution (16,663 μmol·g−1, 8 h) increases ca. 7.4 times. Through capture experiments, the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism and the reason for the enhanced photocatalytic performance were speculated and discussed.

Graphical abstract

Using polystyrene colloidal microspheres as the template, a three-dimensional ordered macroporous composite 3DOM CdS QDs-N/TiO2 was synthesized by vacuum impregnation and hydrothermal deposition. The quantum effect of CdS QDs, the unique 3DOM structure and the synergy between the Z-type heterojunction further increase the light absorption range of 3DOM CdS QDs-N/TiO2, which show the better perform of multi-mode photocatalytic degradation and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

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Funding

This study is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21376126), the Heilongjiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (LH2021B031), Government of Heilongjiang Province Postdoctoral Grants, China (LBH-Z11108), the Fundamental Research Fundsin Heilongjiang Provincial Universities of China (145109104), Innovation Project of Qiqihar University Graduate Education (YJSCX2020037), College Students’ Innovative Entrepreneurial Training Program Funded Projects of Qiqihar University (202220232124, 202220232037), and Qiqihar University in 2020 College Students Academic Innovation Team Funded Projects.

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  1. College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, 161006, People’s Republic of China

    Yiwen Zhu, Yu Tian, Li Li & Yali Huo

  2. College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, 161006, People’s Republic of China

    Li Li, Jiaqi Hou, Tianqi Sun & Jiaxin Li

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Zhu, Y., Tian, Y., Li, L. et al. 3DOM N/TiO2 composite modified by CdS QDs with Z-scheme: enhanced photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen evolution. J Nanopart Res 24, 168 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-022-05550-z

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