Hollow Octahedral Cu2–xS/CdS/Bi2S3 p–n–p Type Tandem Heterojunctions for Efficient Photothermal Effect and Robust Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Performance

Reasonable design of the nanostructure of heterogeneous photocatalysts is of great significance for improving their performance and stability. We report the design and fabrication of hollow sandwich-layered octahedral Cu2–xS/CdS/Bi2S3 p–n–p type tandem heterojunctions constructed via the continuous growth deposition method on the surface of hollow octahedral Cu2–xS with well-defined structures and interfaces. The unique hollow sandwich nanostructure has a large specific surface area and abundant reaction sites and enhances the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. In addition, the formation of a p–n–p heterojunction coupled with the surface plasmon resonance effect of Cu2–xS could also aid in photocatalytic H2 evolution performance and photocatalytic degradation efficiency. Under vis–NIR light irradiation, the optimized Cu2–xS/CdS/Bi2S3 photocatalyst displays a notable H2 production rate of 8012 μmol h–1 g–1, and 2,4-dichlorophenol is almost completely photocatalytically degraded in 150 min. This strategy and rational design offer a new path toward the design of specific nanocatalysts with enhanced activity and stability and challenging reactions.