Preparation of Pt cluster modified CdS nanorod via galvanic replacement reaction for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

A novel galvanic replacement reaction (GR) method was developed for the preparation of Pt cluster-modified CdS nanorod photocatalysts with enhanced hydrogen evolution performance. The as-prepared CdS nanorod synthesized via a hydrothermal method was calcined to form an oxide surface layer, which was induced to generate Cd 0 by photogenerated electrons. GR was completed through reduction Pt precursor into Pt clusters by Cd 0 , achieving targeted deposition of Pt on active sites of CdS. Structural and spectroscopic characterizations (XRD, TEM, XPS, Raman, UV-vis) confirmed the formation of highly dispersed Pt clusters on CdS nanorod. The optimal photocatalyst (CdS/2%Pt-GR) was achieved using PtCl 4 as the precursor with a 2 wt% loading.CdS/2%Pt-GR exhibited a hydrogen evolution rate of 237.7 μmol/h in lactic acid solution, 2.6, 13.3, and 7.1 times of that of CdS-NR-air-2%Pt-CR, CdS-NR-air-2%Pt-PD and CdS-NR-2%Pt-PD, respectively. Moreover, CdS/2%Pt-GR possessed an excellent photocatalytic stability.