Recent Developments in the Design of Cd<sub><i>x</i></sub>Zn<sub>1−<i>x</i></sub>S‐Based Photocatalysts for Sustainable Production of Hydrogen
Bharati Debnath, Suman Dhingra, C. M. Nagaraja
Abstract
Photocatalytic production of clean fuel hydrogen (H 2 ) from water using semiconductor nanomaterials as photocatalysts aided by natural sunlight represents a promising means to fulfill the growing energy demand and for mitigating increasing concentration of atmospheric CO 2 due to the burning of fossil fuels. Among the widely studied semiconductor nanomaterials, the Cd x Zn 1− x S ternary system has gained significant interest due to its tunable band edge, optical and electronic properties by merely varying the Cd 2+ /Zn 2+ content. Consequently, Cd x Zn 1− x S‐based nanostructures have been extensively studied as promising visible‐light‐active photocatalysts for H 2 production from water and other photocatalytic transformations. Herein, a comprehensive account of the research progress in the development of Cd x Zn 1− x S‐based photocatalysts for the production of solar fuel, H 2 from water is provided. Further, various strategies used in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of Cd x Zn 1− x S photocatalysts, like control of the morphology (0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D), bandgap engineering, and fabrication of various heterostructures have been discussed in detail. Furthermore, opportunities and future perspectives of Cd x Zn 1− x S ‐based photocatalysts for practical applications have also been discussed. Overall, the importance of Cd x Zn 1− x S‐based photocatalysts is showcased for efficient visible‐light‐driven hydrogen production and can be beneficial for the design of sustainable photocatalytic systems.