Electronic structure regulation of Cd0.57Mn0.43S via Zn doping for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

In this study, Zn doped Cd 0.57 Mn 0.43 S (ZCMS) was synthesized via a hydrothermal method for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production (PHE). The catalytic performance and mechanisms of ZCMS were studied by experiments and theoretical calculations systematically. The 8% Zn doped sample exhibited optimal performance, achieving a hydrogen production rate of 9.3 mmol·g −1 ·h −1 under visible light and retaining 86% of its photocatalytic activity after five cycles. Characterization and calculations indicated that Zn doping caused an upshift of the d -band center, enhanced the adsorption capacity of catalyst and enhanced charge carrier separation. Furthermore, Zn doping reduced the band gap of Cd 0.57 Mn 0.43 S (CMS) and broadened visible light absorption, which prolonged the carrier lifetime. This study provided an effective strategy for enhancing PHE performance of CMS through doping engineering.