Efficient visible light-induced H₂ production by Au@CdS/TiO₂ nanofibers: Synergistic effect of core-shell structured Au@CdS and densely packed TiO₂ nanoparticles

Semiconductor-based photocatalysts for solar H₂ generation has attracted significant attention because of its great potential for low-cost and clean H₂ production. In this study, we prepared a core-shell structured Au at CdS on TiO₂ nanofibers (Au at CdS/TNF) and investigated its photocatalytic H₂ production under visible (λ>420nm) irradiation. Photocatalysts, including Au-deposited CdS/TNF (Au/CdS/TNF) and commercially available TiO₂ (P25) instead of TNF, were investigated to determine the effect of a core-shell structured Au at CdS and the role of the TNF. Compared with CdS/TNF and Au/CdS/TNF, the Au at CdS/TNF exhibited strongly enhanced H₂ production under visible irradiation. Furthermore, H₂ production on Au at CdS/TNF was significantly enhanced compared to Au at CdS/P25. These results can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the core-shell structured Au at CdS and the compact structure of TNF. The core-shell structured Au at CdS may inhibit the formation of CdSO₄ from CdS and the Au core could transfer electrons from CdS to TiO₂ without any screening effect for light absorption by CdS. Moreover, interparticle electron transfer is more favorable for TNF than P25 due to the well-aligned TNF framework. This work demonstrates the synergistic effects of TiO₂-based photocatalysts for the improvement of solar H₂ production efficiency.