Synergistic optimization of triple phase junctions and oxygen vacancies over MnxCd1−xS/Ov-WO3 for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Strengthening the separation of photogenerated charge carriers is crucial for improving the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Herein, t-Mn_0.5Cd_0.5S/Ov-WO₃ (t-MCSW) triple-phase junctions with rich oxygen vacancies were developed using the calcination-hydrothermal method. The corresponding morphology and structure of the samples were examined by XRD, TEM and XPS. The formation of the S-scheme heterostructure in t-MCSW has also been confirmed with in situ XPS, work function analysis and free radical capture tests. The experimental results demonstrate that t-MCSW-7 exhibited optimal activity (194.2 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹), which was about 4 times higher than that of the individual Mn_0.5Cd_0.5S (t-MCS, 48.8 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹). The apparent quantum yield of t-MCSW-7 is 29.14% at 420 nm, and the material exhibits excellent stability after seven cycles of photocatalytic reaction. The excellent photocatalytic activity of t-MCSW-7 is attributed to more efficient separation of charge carriers by triple-phase junctions connected by homojunctions and heterojunctions. Moreover, the existence of oxygen vacancies broadens absorption spectra and accelerates surface charge transfer. The synergistic effect of phase junctions and oxygen vacancies leads to an enhancement of hydrogen evolution activity. This work provides a new idea for preparing efficient photocatalysts.