Controllable‐Photocorrosion Balance Endows ZnCdS Stable Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

Abstract Metal sulfide (MS) photocatalysts are highly attracted for visible‐light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE), yet the ubiquitous issue of photocorrosion significantly undermines their photostability, often viewed as a detrimental effect. In this study, the positive impact of controllable‐photocorrosion is highlighted on enhancing the PHE activity of MS photocatalysts. Specifically, it establish a clear structure‐activity relationship for ZnCdS solid solutions fabricated via a unique sulfur‐rich butyldithiocarbamic acid solution process. During the PHE process, the sulfur‐rich surface of ZnCdS not only efficiently scavenges excess photogenerated holes but also facilitates the accumulation of sulfur produced from the surface layer photocorrosion of CdS. Leveraging the robust Zn─S chemical bonds, the photocorrosion of the ZnCdS photocatalyst is effectively confined to the Zn‐subsurface region after the fifth cycle in long‐term photostability tests, thus substantially delaying the internal destruction of ZnCdS. Consequently, the PHE rate of ZnCdS reaches 30.12 mmol g −1 h −1 after a long‐term photostability test, representing a 2.5‐fold increase compared to the initial rate.