ReS2/CdIn2S4–SV Heterojunctions for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

In this study, through vacancy engineering and nanomorphology control, a sulfur vacancy-rich three-/two-dimensional (3D/2D) ReS2/CdIn2S4–SV heterojunction photocatalyst was rationally constructed to achieve efficient spatial separation of charge carriers. This plays a crucial role in developing high-performance photocatalysts for effectively transforming solar energy into chemical energy. The optimized ReS2/CdIn2S4–SV (RCIS-SV) composite material demonstrated a hydrogen production rate of 1.412 mmol·g–1·h–1, nearly 4.4 times that of CdIn2S4–SV (0.322 mmol·g–1·h–1) and approximately 22.8 times that of CdIn2S4 (0.062 mmol·g–1·h–1). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests confirmed that upon the addition of octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (OTAB) ligands, CdIn2S4 successfully transitioned from a three-dimensional to a two-dimensional structure, thereby enhancing the feasibility for surface modification and functionalization. The strong interface charge carrier transfer efficiency within the 3D/2D ReS2/CdIn2S4–SV heterojunction photocatalyst, further enhanced by the synergistic effect of sulfur vacancies acting as electron traps and the incorporation of ReS2, significantly promotes the separation of photogenerated charges. By integrating 3D/2D heterostructures with sulfur vacancies, this study aims to offer valuable guidance for the rational design of efficient photocatalysts.