A novel noble-metal-free Cu(OH)₂/CdS/g-C₃N₄ ternary nanocomposite photocatalyst for solar hydrogen production

This study introduces a ternary nanocomposite (Cu(OH)₂/CdS-g-C₃N₄) as a promising and cost-effective alternative to precious metal-based catalysts for hydrogen (H₂) generation under visible light irradiation. A three-step approach was employed, involving hydrothermal treatment, ball milling, and wet impregnation to achieve the desired composite structure. Comprehensive characterization techniques revealed the unique physicochemical properties of the material. Using a sacrificial solution of Na₂S and Na₂SO₃, the optimized 3Cu/Cd–8CN photocatalyst achieved a promising hydrogen evolution rate of 32,414 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, significantly surpassing g-C₃N₄, CdS, and the binary Cu(OH)₂/CdS composite. This rate represents the highest reported hydrogen production for g–C₃N₄–based ternary nanocomposites under simulated visible light. Furthermore, the photocatalyst demonstrated remarkable stability over five reaction cycles. This superior performance is attributed to the synergistic interaction between the three components, which enhances light absorption, charge separation, and hydrogen production efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of ternary nanocomposites as a promising avenue for developing sustainable and efficient hydrogen generation technologies.