We demonstrate that cadmium-free core–shell CuInS₂/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are very efficient and robust visible-light absorbing photosensitizers for photocatalytic hydrogen production in a fully aqueous solution when associated with a molecular catalyst, a cobalt tetraazamacrocyclic complex. In the presence of ascorbate as a sacrificial electron donor, this new hybrid system exhibits a remarkable activity for hydrogen production under visible light irradiation at pH 5.0 with up to 7700 and 1010 turnover numbers versus catalyst and QDs, respectively, and with an initial turnover frequency per QD of 1.59 mmol_H2 g_QD⁻¹ h⁻¹. These are the best performances reported so far with cadmium-free QDs in combination with a molecular catalyst, highlighting the great potential of ternary chalcopyrite nanocrystals as efficient and robust materials for solar fuel production.

中文翻译：

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无镉的CuInS ₂ / ZnS量子点是高效且坚固的光敏剂，结合分子催化剂可在水中产生可见光驱动的H ₂ †

我们证明了，无镉核-壳CuInS ₂ / ZnS量子点（QDs）是非常有效和强大的可见光吸收光敏剂，与分子催化剂钴四氮杂大环配合物结合使用时，可以在完全水溶液中生产光催化制氢。在存在抗坏血酸作为牺牲电子供体的情况下，这种新的混合系统在可见光照射下于pH 5.0时具有显着的制氢活性，相对于催化剂和QD而言，其转换数分别高达7700和1010 ，并且具有初始转换频率每QD 1.59 mmol _{H 2} g _QD ^-1 h ^-1。这些是迄今为止无镉量子点与分子催化剂相结合的最佳性能，突出了三元黄铜矿纳米晶体作为生产太阳能燃料的高效，坚固材料的巨大潜力。