Advanced Modification Strategies of CdS-based Photocatalysts for Enhanced Green Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Solar-driven photocatalytic water-splitting offers a sustainable transition from carbon-based economy to hydrogen-driven green energy future. The search for cost-effective and highly active photocatalysts has directed considerable attention toward semiconductor materials, among which cadmium sulfide (CdS) has garnered significant interest due to its inherent physicochemical properties and strong visible-light absorption resulting from its suitable bandgap. Nevertheless, poor quantum efficiency, photocorrosion, and fast charge carrier recombination restrict its practical application. To date, a range of diverse and strategic modification techniques have been employed to augment the photocatalytic activity of CdS. This review outlines the advanced engineering strategies, including defect engineering, heterojunction construction, cocatalysts loading, elemental doping, development of core-shell structures etc. and analyzes their impact on charge separation, stability, and hydrogen evolution activity. Additionally, major directions to be focused on the development of high-performance CdS-based photocatalysts are presented, providing valuable insights for their large-scale applications for a sustainable, zero-emission future.