Abstract
This study focuses on the development of heterojunction photocatalysts for the efficient utilization of solar energy to address the energy crisis and reduce environmental pollution. Cadmium sulfide (CdS)/graphite-type carbon nitride (g-C(3)N(4)) nanocomposites were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, and their photoelectrochemical properties and photocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were characterized. Scanning electron microscope images showed the intimate interface and caviar-like nanoheterojunction of the CdS nanoparticles on g-C(3)N(4) nanospheres, suggesting their potential involvement in the photocatalytic process. Electrochemical and spectroscopic analyses were conducted to confirm the roles of CdS in the nanoheterojunction. The results showed that 10 wt% CdS/g-C(3)N(4) nanospheres exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than pure g-C(3)N(4) under visible light irradiation. A HER rate of 655.5 μmol/g/h was achieved after three photocatalytic cycles, signifying good photocatalytic stability. The synergistic effect of the Z-scheme heterojunction formed by g-C(3)N(4) and CdS was identified as the main factor responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic performance and stability. The interface engineering effect of CdS/g-C(3)N(4) facilitated the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. This study provides insights into the design and fabrication of efficient HER photocatalysts.