Enhanced photocatalytic H2-production activity of CdxZn1−xS nanocrystals by surface loading MS (M = Ni, Co, Cu) species

► CdxZn1−xS solid solution was prepared by co precipitation reflux method. ► MS (M = Ni, Co, Cu) provides active sites for CdxZn1−xS hydrogen evolution. ► The hydrogen production rate of MS/Cd0.4Zn0.6S is 5 times higher than Cd0.4Zn0.6S. ► MS causes fast diffusion of photoelectrons generated from Cd0.4Zn0.6S toward MS.