Fabrication of Noble-Metal-Free Mo 2 C/CdIn 2 S 4 Heterojunction Composites with Elevated Carrier Separation for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

Molybdenum-based cocatalyst being used to construct heterojunctions for efficient photocatalytic H production is a promising research hotspot. In this work, CdInS was successfully closely supported on bulk MoC via the hydrothermal method. Based on their matching band structures, they formed a Type Ⅰ heterojunction after the combination of MoC (1.1 eV, -0.27 V, 0.83 V) and CdInS (2.3 eV, -0.74 V, 1.56 V). A series of characterizations proved that the heterojunction composite had higher charge separation efficiency compared to a single compound. Meanwhile, MoC in heterojunction could act as an active site for hydrogen production. The photocatalytic H production activity of the heterojunction composites was significantly improved, and the maximum activity was up to 1178.32 μmmol h g for 5MoC/CdInS composites. 5MoC/CdInS heterojunction composites possess excellent durability in three cycles (loss of 6%). Additionally, the mechanism of increased activity for composites was also investigated. This study provides a guide to designing noble-metal-free photocatalyst for highly efficient photocatalytic H evolution.