Enhanced photocatalytic acetamiprid degradation and hydrogen evolution via dual-defect S-scheme heterojunction

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of acetamiprid and simultaneous hydrogen energy recovery remain a significant challenge. Herein, a S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst with dual-defect (CdS@ZnO-OV) was successfully synthesized. By constructing defect engineering to modify ZnO and CdS loading, the built-in electric field (IEF) was successfully formed. The prepared material exhibited superior optical and photoelectric properties, owing to interfacial synergistic effect of the double defect. The removal rate of ACE was 95.24%, and simultaneous hydrogen evolution rate was 1.31 mmol g −1  h −1 . Comprehensive characterization, experiments, and theoretical calculations demonstrated that coupling between dual-defect synergy and interface charge mechanism of S-scheme heterojunction not only provided more active sites (promoting the adsorption and decomposition of H 2 O), but also built stable and efficient electronic channels and constructed IEF at the interface, which enhanced photoelectric properties of the material and achieved simultaneous hydrogen evolution and pollutant degradation. Moreover, the prepared material exhibited favorable stability and applicability by cyclic experiments and characterization after reaction. This work revealed the operational mechanism and practical effects of S-scheme heterojunction catalytic systems with dual-defect, providing new strategies for hydrogen recovery from ACE treatment.