Solar photocatalytic hydrogen energy production using PbS-ZnS heterojunction/electrospun fiber composites

Abstract

The micro-nano-sized electrospun fibers with carboxyl groups were prepared by a high-voltage electrospinning technology. The PbS-ZnS heterojunction/electrospun fiber composites were firstly synthesized by low-temperature hydrothermal method which directly loaded PbS-ZnS heterojunctions on the surface of the electrospun fibers. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis, and UV-Vis reflectance spectra. The results showed that PbS-ZnS heterojunctions were evenly distributed on the electrospun fibers. The unique structure afforded PbS-ZnS/electrospun fiber desirable photocatalytic activity and stability for the hydrogen production under solar ultraviolet light irradiation. The average hydrogen production capacity was 10.45 mL every 2 h.