The construction of CdxZn1-xS-based photocatalysts for enhanced hydrogen generation

CdxZn1-xS (x=0~1) solid solution photocatalyst with different morphologies was synthesized by solvothermal method using ethylenediamine as solvent. The light absorption of the photocatalyst was varied by changing the morphology and electronic band structure to allow strong visible light response for hydrogen generation. The results showed that the optimum sample Cd0.5Zn0.5S showed a high hydrogen production rate of 2531.3 μmol·g-1 ·h-1 with lactic acid as sacrificial agent. Loading with NiS by solvothermal method further improves the hydrogen production performance. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of NiS/Cd0.5Zn0.5S is 4547.5 μmol·g-1 ·h-1 , which is 1.80 times that of pure Cd0.5Zn0.5S. The mechanism of hydrogen production by NiS/Cd0.5Zn0.5S is also discussed.