Solid solutions of CdS and ZnS: Comparing photocatalytic activity and photocurrent generation

The series of Cd1-xZnxS (x = 0–1.0) photocatalysts and Cd1-xZnxS/FTO thin film photoelectrodes were prepared. The obtained samples were studied by X-ray diffraction method (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 low temperature adsorption. The photocatalysts were tested in the reaction of hydrogen production from Na2S/Na2SO3 solution under visible light irradiation. The photocurrents were measured in aqueous solution of Na2Sn and NaCl. It was shown that the target properties in the hydrogen evolution and photocurrent production are changed differently dependent on the composition of the mixed solid solutions. The highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate was observed over Cd0.3Zn0.7S while the most effective photoelectrode was Cd0.8Zn0.2S/FTO. The Cd1-xZnxS/FTO samples were studied by the electrochemical methods in details. The factors affecting the photocatalytic activity and the photocurrent generation were found and listed for the first time. Conduction band potential (or flat band potential) and electron lifetime play a crucial role for effective photocatalytic hydrogen production over Cd1-xZnxS. Optimal photoelectrochemical characteristics were obtained in case of high values of electron lifetime. If the electron lifetimes of the tested samples have similar values, the high concentration of charge carriers is required for high photocurrent generation over Cd1-xZnxS/FTO photoelectrodes