Enhanced photocatalytic H2 production of CdS by introduction of Cd vacancies

Abstract

CdS nanoparticles with engineered Cd vacancies were synthesized by adjusting the starting materials of CdCl2•2.5H2O and Na2S•9H2O. Optimal performance was achieved at a Cd:S ratio of 1:2, yielding a 3.4-fold increase in hydrogen production (from 0.56 to 1.93 mmolg-1h-1). The enhanced activity is attributed to the introduction of Cd vacancies, which suppress electron-hole recombination and shift the reduction potential of photogenerated electrons to more negative values.