Insight into carrier transportation and hydrogen production activity of two novel morphological CdS films

One-dimensional CdS nanorods film and conifer like CdS planar film electrode were prepared using hydrothermal method and ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. The SEM image and fluorescence spectrum revealed that different carrier transportation dynamics of two samples, which explained why CdS nanorods film showed better photoelectrochemical (PEC) property and hydrogen production activity. Compare the H2 evolution results and PEC results of films, the linear relation of H2 gas volume practically measured and computed referring to photocurrent value was discussed and confirmed. However, CdS nanorods film experienced severe photocorrosion compare with CdS planar film, because photogenerated holes were not consumed by electrolyte efficiently. The stability of samples can be improved by adding sodium sulfite in the electrolyte.