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.