Tethered transition metals promoted photocatalytic system for efficient hydrogen evolutions

摘要

The present invention is directed, at least in part, to a process for improving the efficiency of a photocatalyst (a semiconductor photocatalyst) by tethering (depositing) a metal (e.g., metal ions of a late transition metal, such as nickel) to the semiconductor (photocatalyst) surface through the use of an organic ligand. More specifically, 1,2-ethanedithiol (EDT) functions as an excellent molecular linker (organic ligand) to attach a transition metal complex (e.g., nickel (Ni2+ ions)) to the semiconductor surface, which can be in the form of a cadmium sulfide surface. The photocatalyst has particular utility in generating hydrogen from H2S.

主权项

1. A process for producing a photocatalyst that is capable of converting H2S into hydrogen and sulfur comprising the steps of:
preparing a photocatalyst material comprising CdS; and using an organic ligand to attach a transition metal species to a surface of the photocatalyst material without the formation of a dopant layer.