Engineering highly active Cd1−xZnxS nanopopcorns via zinc blende/wurtzite phase junctions for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution without a co-catalyst

Abstract

Rational structure design of semiconductor photocatalysts is meaningful to enhance their sunlight-driven hydrogen-evolution performance. Herein, we present a facile approach to prepare Cd_1−xZn_xS nanopopcorns with zinc blende/wurtzite phase junctions by using excess thioacetamide (TAA). The as-obtained Cd_1−xZn_xS samples were used for visible-light photocatalytic H₂ evolution without a co-catalyst. The H₂-evolution activity reaches 282.14 μmol h⁻¹ mg⁻¹, which is ca. 12 fold higher than that of Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S prepared with an equivalent dose of TAA. Meanwhile, an apparent quantum yield of 64.4% at 420 nm was achieved. Results demonstrated that the Cd_1−xZn_xS samples synthesized by using excess TAA improve light absorption and hydrophilicity, which is helpful for the photocatalytic reaction. Moreover, the existence of type-II ZB/WZ phase junctions promotes the separation and migration of photoinduced electron–hole pairs. This work provides a novel idea for the rational design of efficient Cd_1−xZn_xS-based photocatalysts.