Preparation of CdS@TiO2/Ni2P photocatalyst for value-added organic transformation coupling with enhanced hydrogen evolution

Abstract

In a dual-functional photocatalytic reaction system with coupled selective organic reductions and oxidation reaction, both the photogenerated electrons and holes can be simultaneously utilized to generate value-added products, make the overall process more valuable from a sustainability and economic perspective. Herein, CdS&P25–Ni₂P (SPN) has been synthesized, which realized the selective transformation of organic compounds coupled with hydrogen evolution under visible light condition. The traditional sacrificial agent oxidation reaction is replaced by the dehydrogenation half reaction of aromatic alcohol with higher additional value, where high efficiency photocatalytic reaction can be realized. The effects of solvent, substituents, component of photocatalyst, co-catalyst loading and other factors on this reaction were explored. Under the optimal conditions, the substrate was almost completely transformed within 5 ​h, and the hydrogen production rate can reach 1.148 ​mmol·g_cat⁻¹·h⁻¹. Through compare the research of different reaction systems, different possible reaction mechanisms and reaction paths have been proposed. This paper further explores the field of organic value-added transformation coupled with hydrogen production and provides a new strategy for the effective use of photogenerated electrons and holes, which will be inspirational for the future involving catalysis, materials and other fields.