Significantly improved photocatalytic hydrogen production activity over Cd1-xZnxSCd1-xZnxS photocatalysts prepared by a novel thermal sulfuration method

A series of Cd1-xZnxSCd1-xZnxS solid solution photocatalysts were prepared by thermal sulfuration of the corresponding mixed oxide precursors. The photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution under visible light irradiation over the prepared photocatalysts was evaluated. Results showed that the Cd1-xZnxSCd1-xZnxS solid solution with xx equaling to 0.2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity and amounted to a high apparent quantum yield of 10.23% at 420 nm without needing the deposition of noble metal cocatalyst. Cd0.8Zn0.2SCd0.8Zn0.2S solid solution was prepared by different methods. Comparative studies showed that the sulfide photocatalyst prepared by thermal sulfuration had much higher activity than that prepared by conventional methods. The reason for its high activity was analyzed.