Rational construction of CuFe2O4@C/Cd0.9Zn0.1S S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for extraordinary photothermal-assisted photocatalytic H2 evolution

Rational design of photocatalyst to maximize the use of sunlight is one of the issues to be solved in photocatalysis technology. In this study, the CuFe2O4@C/Cd0.9Zn0.1S (CFO@C/CZS) S-scheme photocatalyst with photothermal effect was synthesized by ultrasonic self-assembly combined with calcination. The dark CFO@C absorbed visible light and partly converted into heat to promote the hydrogen evolution reaction. The presence of heterojunctions inhibited the photogenerated electron-hole recombination. The graphite-carbon layer provided a stable channel for electron transfer, and the presence of magnetic CFO made recycle easier. Under the action of photothermal assistance and heterojunction, the hydrogen evolution rate of the optimal CFO@C/CZS was 80.79 mmol g−1 h−1, which was 2.55 times and 260.61 times of that of pure CZS and CFO@C, respectively. Notably, the composite samples also exhibit excellent stability and a wide range of environmental adaptability. Through experimental tests and first-principles simulation calculation methods, the plausible mechanism of photoactivity enhancement was proposed. This work provided a feasible strategy of photothermal assistance for the development of heterojunction photocatalysts with distinctive hydrogen evolution.