Synthesis of Ni modified Au@CdS core–shell nanostructures for enhancing photocatalytic coproduction of hydrogen and benzaldehyde under visible light

•Ni/(Au@CdS) core–shell nanostructures were designed and synthesized.•Photocatalytic coproduction of H2 and benzaldehyde was greatly enhanced.•Photoinduced carriers were intensified and H2-evolution overpotential was reduced.•The enhanced photocatalysis was attributed to the synergy of plasmonics and cocatalyst.