Recent Advances in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of Zn_xCd_1−xS‐Based Photocatalysts

Abstract

Efficient solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion through water splitting relies on the development of low-cost photocatalysts with high photoactivity and stability. Zn x Cd 1Àx S, an emerging metal sulfide (MS) solid solution for STH, possesses several unique advantages, such as a tunable bandgap, abundant elemental constituents, and high stability. Although Zn x Cd 1Àx S-based photocatalysts are investigated for hydrogen evolution, their photoactivity still has to be enhanced for commercial applications. Herein, the design concept, crystal and band structure properties, and original photoactivity of Zn x Cd 1Àx S are briefly introduced, and Zn x Cd 1Àx S solutions with different morphologies and structures, modifications, synthesis methods, and vacancy engineering are then discussed. Subsequently, the combination of Zn x Cd 1Àx S and cocatalysts and several representative Zn x Cd 1Àx S-based heterojunction photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution are reviewed and discussed in detail. Finally, the unsolved issues in the application of Zn x Cd 1Àx S photocatalysts and their potential solutions for developing advanced Zn x Cd 1Àx S-based photocatalysts are discussed.

Synthesis of Zn0.1Sn0.1Cd0.8Sx Solid Solutions for Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI): Bandgap Structure and Sulfur Vacancy Regulation

“…Metal sulfides including monometal sulfides (Bi 2 S 3 , [9] MoS 2 , [10] In 2 S 3 , [11] PbS [12] ) and bimetallic sulfides (Co 8 FeS 8 , [13] ZnIn 2 S 4 [14] and CuInS 2 [15] ) have gained considerable interest in the field of photocatalysis due to their suitable bandgap structure, rich active sites, and excellent visible-light response. [16][17][18] However, the photocorrosion phenomenon, low charge separation efficiency and rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes for metal sulfides are often observed during the photocatalytic process. [19] Recently, ternary metal sulfides (TMSs) solid solution have been regarded as ideal semiconductors in various photocatalytic reactions because of its outstanding redox reversibility, high electron conductivity, and great stability.…”

Metal Sulfides for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: Current Development and Future Challenges

“…Among them, metal sulfides have always received extensive attention due to its visible-light response, adjustable band structures, and relatively mild preparation conditions. [15,16] As the development of an efficient and stable metal sulfide is a prerequisite for practical application, many studies have been devoted to improving the photocatalytic performance of metal sulfides for hydrogen production and overcoming the corrosion of metal sulfides. [17,18] As shown in Figure 1, the photocatalytic reaction contains three processes: 1) the generation of electron-hole pairs after absorption of photons by photocatalysts; 2) the separation of electron-hole pairs and migration to the surface of photocatalysts; and 3) the electrons and holes participating in chemical reaction on the surface of photocatalysts.…”

“…Among them, metal sulfides have always received extensive attention due to its visible‐light response, adjustable band structures, and relatively mild preparation conditions. [ 15,16 ] As the development of an efficient and stable metal sulfide is a prerequisite for practical application, many studies have been devoted to improving the photocatalytic performance of metal sulfides for hydrogen production and overcoming the corrosion of metal sulfides. [ 17,18 ]…”

Engineering dual charge transfer material modified ZnxCd1−xS towards highly effective photocatalytic pure water splitting

“…Particularly, ZnCdS solid solution has been proved to be a highly efficient and economical visible light-driven photocatalyst, [24][25][26][27] and is expected to realize the two-electron water splitting process due to its suitable and tunable band structure. 28 Nevertheless, these single-component photocatalysts exhibit inefficient photocatalytic activity due to the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and insufficient surface active sites.…”