Cd/Pt Precursor Solution for Solar H2 Production and in situ Photochemical Synthesis of Pt Single-atom Decorated CdS Nanoparticles

Abstract

Despite extensive efforts to develop high-performance H₂ evolution catalysts, this remains a major challenge. Here, we demonstrate the use of Cd/Pt precursor solutions for significant photocatalytic H₂ production (154.7 mmol g^-1 h^-1 ), removing the need for a pre-synthesized photocatalyst. In addition, we also report simultaneous in situ synthesis of Pt single-atoms anchored CdS nanoparticles (Pt_SA -CdS_IS ) during photoirradiation. The highly dispersed in situ incorporation of extensive Pt single atoms on CdS_IS enables the enhancement of active sites and suppresses charge recombination, which results in exceptionally high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of ≈1 % and an apparent quantum yield of over 91 % (365 nm) for H₂ production. Our work not only provides a promising strategy for maximising H₂ production efficiency but also provides a green process for H₂ production and the synthesis of highly photoactive Pt_SA -CdS_IS nanoparticles.

Keywords: Hydrogen Production; Photocatalysis; Photocatalyst Synthesis Free; Solar Energy Assisted Material Synthesis; in Situ Single Atom Pt Decorated CdS (PtSA-CdSIS) Synthesis.