Synergistic CuWO 4 /NiS 2 Binary Nanostructures for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

A viable and ecologically safe method for producing green hydrogen is photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production. However, the development of effective semiconductor materials with improved activity and long-term stability is still a major obstacle. In this work, we report the development of a broadband-gap, UV light-responsive CuWO4/NiS2 nanocomposite using simple hydrothermal and wet impregnation techniques. The hybrid systems, with photocatalytic presentation, were thoroughly assessed using spectroscopic, photophysical, and microscopic characterization methods. The optimized CuWO4/NiS2 nanostructure demonstrated an impressive H2 generation rate of 28.2 mmol h–1 g–1 under light irradiation, which is roughly 2.71 and 3.28 times greater than those of pristine CuWO4 (10.4) and NiS2 (8.6 mmol h-1 g (cat)-1), respectively. The enhanced presentation is ascribed to the synergetic interface between the coupled semiconductors, which facilitates the formation of a nanostructure. This arrangement inhibits electron–hole recombination and encourages effective charge carrier parting. Additionally, compared with pristine CuWO4 and NiS2, respectively, the CuWO4/NiS2 composite showed a noticeably greater photocurrent density. The developed nanostructured CuWO4/NiS2 displayed a 28.6% quantum efficiency at 450 nm. These outcomes validate CuWO4/NiS2’s significant aptitude as a non-noble-metal photocatalyst for the production of sustainable hydrogen.