Gao P., Li A., Liu Z., Tai M., Liu Z., Sun D.D.
Nanyang Technological University, SG
Keywords: hydrogen, nanostructure, photocatalyst
Hydrogen as a renewable clean energy has attracted a lot attention because of its high heat conversion efficiency and zero carbon emission, while synthesizing highly efficient material for photocatalytic hydrogen production under solar light remains a great challenge. In this study, for the first time, a novel hierarchical visible-light responsive photocatalyst was delicately designed and synthesized by anchoring In2S3 flower-like nanostructures on non-woven carbon nanofibers (CNF). The nanostructures of these CNF-In2S3 composites were fine tuned, with the aim to achieve the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production activity under visible light. The CNF were chosen as the structural supports for the photocatalytic In2S3 due to the large surface area, high adsorption capability and good electron conductivity. Combining with the substantial advantages of In2S3 nanostructures such as large surface area and extremely reduced diffusion length, the hierarchical CNF-In2S3 photocatalysts exhibit exceptionally high hydrogen evolution rate (ca. 460 μmol h-1). The results indicate that this novel photocatalyst can be applied for practical clean energy production.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2014 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: June 15, 2014
Pages: 364 - 367
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Catalysis
ISBN: 978-1-4822-5819-6