Cation exchange synthesis of porous Cd_1‐xZn_xS twinned nanosheets for visible light highly active H₂ evolution

Abstract

Efficient charge separation is critical for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation. The porous Cd 1-x Zn x S nanosheets with twinned phase junctions were synthesized by the cation-exchange approach of inorganicorganic hybrid ZnS-diethylenetriamine nanoflakes with cadmium ions. With the synergy of the phase junctions induced by nano twins and porous structure, the hydrogen evolution average rate over the optimal sample Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S photocatalyst reaches 14.44 mmol h −1 g −1 without noble metal loading under visible light irradiation, corresponding to apparent quantum efficiency of 37.3% at 420 nm and solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency of 3.46%. On the one hand, twin-induced phase junctions can improve the separation efficiency of photoelectron-hole pairs, on the other hand, the large specific surface area ascribed to the porous nanosheet can effectively improve the light absorption capacity of photocatalysis, and provide more surface active sites. This study could provide a facile approach to design and fabricate advanced materials with porous twinned phase junctions for photocatalytic applications and optoelectronic devices.

Progress in Promising Semiconductor Materials for Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Hydrogen Production

“…The energy band structure of solid solutions can be precisely controlled by changing the composition of different precursors. For example, the band gaps of Zn x Cd 1−x S [ 72 ] and Cu x Ag 1−x InS 2 [ 73 ] can be precisely tuned by adjusting the composition of Zn/Cd and Cu/Ag, respectively. In this case, both of the tuned sulfides can respond to visible light, allowing for the efficient utilization of solar energy.…”

Study of the different morphologies of Zn0.5Cd0.5S for photocatalytic H2 production

“…Moreover, their XRD patterns are also different, as many peaks appears in the ZnS-DETA sample. In the second step of the solvothermal process, with the decomposition of ZnS-DETA, Cd 2+ was partially replaced Zn 2+ to form Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S solid solution via cation exchange in ethylene glycol 39,40 . divided into two half-reactions: oxidation reaction and reduction reaction.…”

“…In the second step of the solvothermal process, with the decomposition of ZnS-DETA, Cd 2+ partially replaced Zn 2+ to form Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S solid solution via cation exchange in ethylene glycol. 39,40…”

Theoretical Insights into Pressure‐Driven Stability and Optoelectronic Response of Cd0.75Zn0.25S Alloy for Blue–Violet Display

“…[16][17][18][19] Moreover, the photocatalytic and energyconversion activities of porous CdZnS twin-phase junction thin films have been investigated by fabricating them through cation-exchange techniques. [20] Reduced graphene-CdZnS nanocomposites have also been reported to have high photocurrent generation under sunlight illumination, with a direct relationship to the intensity of the exposed sunlight. [21] A plasmon-enhanced Au-CdZnS alloy with a bandgap energy of 2.29 eV was shown to possess photocatalytic activity.…”