Copper-doped ZnO/ZnS core/shell nanotube as a novel photocatalyst system for photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light

A novel Cu²⁺ ZnO/ZnS core/shell tubular photocatalyst system was successfully constructed. TEM images showed that the ZnO nanotubes were covered with ZnS nanoparticles. It was found that 1% Cu2²⁺-doped ZnO/ZnS showed significantly higher hydrogen production rate than that without Cu doping. Photo-generated electrons in Cu-doped ZnS nanoparticles migrated from ZnS to ZnO nanotubes, led to enhanced charge separation, and therefore increased hydrogen production. Our Cu-doped ZnO/ZnS core/shell structure represents an effective photocatalyst system for efficient hydrogen production, which is apparently worth further in-depth study.