Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light using noble metal-free ZnS NPs/Ni@Trimellitic acid porous microsphere heterojunction

The construction of late-model non-noble metal catalysts with above average performance and stability is the best choice to implement visible light decomposition of water for hydrogen production and solve the problem of clean energy. Herein, novel ZnS nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) grown in situ on the surface of porous Ni@Trimellitic acid (Ni-TA) microspheres were successfully synthesized. The structure, optical properties, element composition and others of ZnS/Ni-TA composites were systematically analyzed by experimental characterization. The experimental results showed that pure ZnS showed very weak photocatalytic performance. However, the photocatalytic performance was greatly increased with the addition of Ni-TA. The yield of the best sample (3% ZnS/Ni-TA) reached 1,098 mu mol/g/h, about 12 times higher than that of ZnS. Among them, Ni-TA not only can be used as the main body of exotic metal nanoparticles, but also the porous channels can prevent the agglomeration of nanoparticles. The enhanced H-2 yield is mainly attributed to the resulting tight interface contact and well-matched band position which are conducive to effective carrier separation; moreover, the electrons quickly diverted to the exposed edge of Ni-TA for reducing to produce hydrogen. The combination of inorganic and new organic semiconductors provides an idea for hydrogen production under visible light.