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Microwave‐Induced Metal Dissolution Synthesis of Core–Shell Copper Nanowires/ZnS for Visible Light Photocatalytic H 2 Evolution
Author(s) -
Xiao Shuning,
Dai Wenrui,
Liu Xiaoyan,
Pan Donglai,
Zou Hangjun,
Li Guisheng,
Zhang Guoqiang,
Su Chenliang,
Zhang Dieqing,
Chen Wei,
Li Hexing
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.201900775
Subject(s) - materials science , photocatalysis , dissolution , nanowire , visible spectrum , microwave , nanotechnology , metal , chemical engineering , nanocrystal , band gap , copper , photochemistry , optoelectronics , catalysis , metallurgy , biochemistry , chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
Abstract A microwave‐induced metal dissolution strategy is developed for in situ synthesis of copper nanowires/ZnS (CuNWs/ZnS) hybrids with core–shell structure. The CuNWs are used as microwave antennas to create local “super‐hot” surfaces to further initiate ZnS crystallization with full coverage on CuNWs. With the help of S 2− , the hot metal surface further results in the CuNWs dissolution with promoted Cu + diffusion and incorporation into the ZnS lattice. With the narrowed bandgap of ZnS and the strongly coupled interface between CuNWs and ZnS created by microwaves, the as‐prepared hybrid composites exhibit an enhanced activity and stability in visible light for the photocatalytic H 2 evolution. The corresponding H 2 evolution rate reaches up to 10722 µmol h −1 g −1 with apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 69% under 420 nm LED irradiation, showing a remarkably high AQE among the noble‐metal free visible light‐driven photocatalysts and demonstrating a promising potential in practical applications to deal with the energy crisis.