CdS/ethylenediamine nanowires 3D photocatalyst with rich sulfur vacancies for efficient syngas production from CO2 photoreduction

Herein, CdS/ethanediamine (protonated) hybrid nanowires (CdS/EDA NW) three-dimensional (3D) network structure photocatalysts with tunable sulfur vacancy concentrations were fabricated. The protonated EDA molecules modified on the surafce of CdS to assemble into 3D structure with large specific surface area can not only effectively capture visible light, but also significantly enhance the separation and transportation of charge carriers. And EDA is also conducive to CO2 adsorption. Meanwhile, the rich sulfur vacancies (VS-R) on the surface of CdS/EDA NW can trap more photogenerated electrons to further prolong carries lifetime as well as effectively promote the hydrogen adsorption and CO2 activation. Hence, the VS-R mediated 3D CdS/EDA NW exhibits the high visible light photocatalytic syngas CO and H2 formation rate of 115.6 and 959.4 μmol g−1 h−1 (CO: H2 = 1: 8.3) respectively. This work provides a promising idea to design efficient catalysts through multiple collaborative strategies for syngas production via CO2 photoreduction.