CoP3 Quantum Dots Decorated on CdZnS Nanorods as Z‑Scheme p–n Heterojunctions for Photocatalytic H2 Production.

Designing approaches to synthesizing nanostructure photocatalysts is crucial to boosting applications in photocatalytic H₂ production. Herein, a Z-scheme p–n heterojunction for photocatalytic H₂ production was designed and constructed by decorating p-type CoP₃ quantum dots on n-type CdZnS nanorods. The flower-like CoP₃/CdZnS nanorod assembly benefits from light absorption and full contact with the solution. An internal electric field forms at the interface of the p–n junction, which provides a Z-scheme charge transport path for efficient migration and separation of photogenerated charges. In result, the hydrogen production rate of the CoP₃/CdZnS p–n junction is 33 times that of CdZnS. The study provided a novel approach to the synthesis of self-assembled nanostructures of quantum dots on nanorod assemblies that have important applications in photocatalysis for energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]