Charge-photothermal-catalysis synergy in ZnCdS/Co2SnO4 for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and benzyl alcohol oxidation

The development of efficient bifunctional photocatalysts for simultaneous H 2 evolution and organic oxidation is impeded by the difficulty in synergizing charge separation, broad-spectrum light harvesting, and surface reaction kinetics. This challenge is addressed through the construction of a ZnCdS/Co 2 SnO 4 S-scheme heterojunction, in which Co 2 SnO 4 is engineered as a triple-function module. This module not only establishes an interfacial electric field for directed S-scheme charge transfer, preserving high-potential carriers, but also acts as a potent photothermal agent, converting near-infrared light into localized heat to reduce the apparent activation energy for H 2 evolution. Furthermore, its spinel surface provides intrinsic catalytic sites with a near-optimal hydrogen adsorption free energy. This triadic synergy yields exceptional concurrent production of H 2 (31.7 mmol g –1 h –1 ) and benzaldehyde (28.8 mmol g –1 h –1 ). Our work provides a paradigm of concerted light-charge-heat management for designing advanced, full-spectrum-responsive photocatalytic systems.