Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution from the Splitting of Water over Cd1-xZnxS/K2La2Ti3O10 Composites under Visible Light Irradiation

A series of Cd1-xZnxS/K2La2Ti3O10 composites were synthesized via a simple co-precipitation method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDX), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection(UV-Vis), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) and photoluminescence(PL) measurements. The composite structures consisted of Cd1-xZnxS nanoparticles evenly distributed on the surface of K2La2Ti3O10. The absorption edge of K2La2Ti3O10 shifted to the visible light region upon introduction of the Cd1-xZnxS nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activities of the catalysts were evaluated by hydrogen production under visible light irradiation. The prepared Cd0.8Zn0.2S(30wt%)/K2La2Ti3O10 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity, evolving 6.92 mmol/g H2 under visible light irradiation for 3 h. The promoted photocatalytic activity of the composites was attributed to the synergistic effect between Cd1-xZnxS and K2La2Ti3O10, which resulted in enhanced separation of photogenerated electrons and holes.