Synergistic effect of nitrogen-doped CdIn2S4(Vs) and Anderson-type polyoxometalate on enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

The development of clean and sustainable energy technologies represents a critical focus in contemporary scientific research. In this study, we construct an efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution system using nitrogen-doped, sulfur vacancy-rich CdIn₂S₄ as the catalyst and (NH₄)₄[NiMo₆O₂₄H₆]·5H₂O (NiMo₆) as the co-catalyst. Among all synthesized catalysts, the NiMo₆/10N-CdIn₂S₄(Vs) composite exhibits superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity, achieving an exceptional production rate of 30.88 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, which is the highest activity among CdIn₂S₄-based systems. N-doping and S-vacancies boost the light absorption and charge separation of CdIn₂S₄, while the polyoxometalate (POM) further enhances performance by facilitating electron transfer in the system, minimizing recombination of charge carriers and increasing the stability of the photocatalytic system.