Construction of noble-metal-free FeWO4/Mn0.5Cd0.5S photocatalyst to optimize H2 evolution performance in water splitting

Designing cost-effective photocatalysts with remarkable performance is a foresighted strategy to foster the evolution of H 2 in water splitting. In this study, a p-n heterojunction FeWO 4 /Mn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S photocatalyst modified by low-cost and non-toxic FeWO 4 was synthesized using hydrothermal and calcination methods. The hydrogen evolution activity of Mn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S was strengthened by varying the amount of FeWO 4 loading. The hydrogen production rate of FeWO 4 /Mn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S photocatalyst loaded with 10% FeWO 4 can reach 9.63 mmol g −1  h −1 , which is equivalent to 2.16 times of pure Mn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S. The enhancement of the H 2 evolution activity was primarily contributed to a p-n heterojunction formed at the interface of FeWO 4 and Mn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S. It provides a fast pathway for the migration and separation of photogenerated charges and effectively inhibits the photo-corrosion of Mn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S.