Amorphous CoxSy-loaded Mn0.5Cd0.5S solid solution for effective generation of H2 by visible-light photocatalysis

Abstract

The combustion of fossil fuels has brought about serious energy shortages and environmental pollution issues. This study involves the development of green and environment-friendly nonprecious metal photocatalysts with high hydrogen production performance. Hence, a series of Co_xS_y/Mn_0.5Cd_0.5S composites was prepared through a simple hydrothermal process. When the loading amount of amorphous Co_xS_y was 3 wt%, the Co_xS_y/Mn_0.5Cd_0.5S composite catalyst showed the best photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm), giving a hydrogen production rate of 5677.6 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, which is 121.6 times that of pure CdS and 4.8 times that of Mn_0.5Cd_0.5S. Moreover, the 3 wt%-Co_xS_y/Mn_0.5Cd_0.5S catalyst exhibited good photostability. The experimental results demonstrate that the construction of the Co_xS_y/Mn_0.5Cd_0.5S heterojunction effectively facilitates the separation of charge carriers, resulting in an enhanced photocatalytic activity.