Enhanced hydrogen production over CdSe QD/ZTP composite under visible light irradiation without using co-catalyst

A series of CdSe quantum dot (QD)/zirconium titanium phosphate (ZTP) was synthesized by solvothermal method using ethylene diamine by varying Cd to Se ratio from 1:1 to 1:4 and examined as robust catalysts for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation without using any co-catalyst. Extensively, the structural, optical, morphological, elemental and photoresponse spectra measurement of the composite system was studied. The catalytic activity of the materials was correlated with photoluminescence spectra, band gap energy and the photosensitization effect of CdSe quantum dot. Though neat CdSe quantum dot and zirconium titanium phosphate (ZTP) exhibited photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, the composite material showed remarkable high activity. Among these, 1CdSe quantum dot/zirconium titanium phosphate (ZTP) composite showed the highest hydrogen production (905.4 μmol) within 3 h which is consistent with low photoluminescence (PL) intensity, wide band gap energy and the photosensitization effect of CdSe quantum dot.

► For the first time reported, novel coupled photocatalyst, CdSe QD/ZTP composite. ► Synthesized by solvothermal method with varying Cd to Se ratio from 1:1 to 1:4. ► The structural, optical, morphological and elemental properties etc. were studied. ► 1CdSe QD/ZTP composite showed the highest hydrogen production, i.e. 905.4 μmol.