Hierarchical assemblies of CdxZn1−xS complex architectures and their enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities for H2-production

• Hierarchical CdxZn1−xS architectures were prepared and catalytic for H2 evolution.
• The CdxZn1−xS morphology changes with the difference of Cd content.
• Due to the specific surface property, Cd0.2Zn0.8S exhibits a H2 evolution rate of 1.8 mmol g−1 h−1.

The shape-controlled synthesis of hierarchically micro- and nanostructured materials has opened up new opportunities to improve their properties. In this work, CdxZn1−xS complex architectures, such as microflowers and microspheres, were prepared through a facile solvothermal method, by using diethylenetriamine (DETA) and water as solvent. Within the Zn content increase from 0.2 to 0.8 in the CdxZn1−xS solid solution, the morphology transformed progressively from microflowers agglomerates to microspheres. The photocatalytic H2 evolution over the solid solutions was further investigated through the H2 evolution from aqueous solutions containing S2-/SO32-, and the highest H2 evolution rate without co-catalysts even reached 1.8 mmol g−1 h−1. The reasons for the difference in the photocatalytic properties of these CdxZn1−xS architectures were also investigated. The morphology change of CdxZn1−xS solid solution leads to different BET and surface defects, finally resulting in the variation of photocatalytic activity.