2D/2D ReS2/CdS nanosheets-on-nanoribbon heterostructure for highly efficient H2 evolution under visible light irradiation

Solar-driven water splitting is a promising renewable method for producing green H2. However, its efficiency remains insufficient for practical applications due to significant charge recombination. To address this issue, strategies involving morphology modulation and heterostructure construction were employed to synthesize a novel 2D/2D ReS2/CdS nanosheets-on-nanoribbon heterostructure. In this structure, the CdS nanoribbon, characterized by a wide and short charge transfer path and high crystallization, was first fabricated using a mild solvothermal approach, demonstrating potential to retard bulk charge recombination. Additionally, the well-defined heterostructure, promoting charge transfer and separation across interface, significantly inhibits surface charge recombination. As a result, the ReS2/CdS heterostructure exhibits a state-of-the-art H2 generation rate of 150.1 mmol g−1 h−1 which is ca. 115.5 times higher than pristine CdS far exceeding other similar catalytic systems and most CdS-noble metal photocatalysts. Combing two strategies to suppress charge recombination in this manuscript provides new insights into the development of low cost but high-performance catalysts for renewable energy generation.