Visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution over CdS/CuWO4 S-Scheme heterojunctions: Dual synergistic enhancement via interfacial charge transfer and photothermal activation

doi:10.1016/S1872-2067(25)64868-6

Abstract

Abstract:

S-scheme heterojunctions can offer an effective strategy for spatially separating photogenerated charge carriers, thereby sigFnificantly enhancing photocatalytic performance. In this study, cadmium sulfide (CdS)/copper tungstate (CFuWO₄) (CdS/CW) S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts with adjustable components were fabricated by decorating CdS nanorods with CuWO₄ nanoparticles. The optimal hydrogen evolution rate (2725.91 μmol g^-1 h^-1) of CdS/CW-10% with excellent cycling stability under visible light is 10.1-fold higher than pure CdS. Density functional theory calculations and photoelectrochemical analyses confirmed that the S-scheme charge-transfer mechanism from CdS to CuWO₄ is responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic performance by promoting charge separation. Additionally, the photothermal effect of CuWO₄ increased the local temperature of the photocatalyst, further accelerating the reaction kinetics. This study highlights a dual-enhancement approach based on interfacial charge modulation by constructing an S-scheme heterojunction and photothermal activation, providing valuable insights into the design of high-efficiency S-scheme photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production.

Key words: S-Scheme heterojunction, CdS, CuWO₄, Photothermal, Photocatalyst, Hydrogen evolution

Qinghua Liu, Peiqing Cai, Hengshuai Li, Xue-Yang Ji, Dafeng Zhang, Xipeng Pu. Visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution over CdS/CuWO₄ S-Scheme heterojunctions: Dual synergistic enhancement via interfacial charge transfer and photothermal activation[J]. Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 2026, 81: 299-309.

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URL: https://www.cjcatal.com/EN/10.1016/S1872-2067(25)64868-6

https://www.cjcatal.com/EN/Y2026/V81/I2/299

Figures/Tables 6

Fig. 1. (a) CdS/CW preparation process. (b) XRD patterns of samples. (c) XPS survey spectra. High-resolution XPS spectra of Cd 3d (d), S 2p (e), W 4f (f), and O 1s (g) of samples.

Fig. 2. SEM images (a-c), elemental mapping (d), TEM (e), and high-resolution TEM (f) images of samples.

Fig. 3. (a) DRS. (b, c) Tauc plots. (d, e) Mott-Schottky plots. (f) Photocurrent responses. (g) Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy Nyquist plots. (h) Transient PL spectroscopy emission spectra. (i) Transient PL spectra of samples.

Fig. 4. Photocatalytic (a) activities and (b) H2 evolution rates of samples. (c) Recycling stability of CdS and CdS/CW-10%. (d) AQE curves against CdS/CW-10 wavelength. (e) comparison of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of CdS/CW-10 with previously reported CdS-based photocatalysts. (f) XRD patterns of CdS/CW-10% before and after photocatalysis. (g) Timeline with photothermal mapping images of CdS, CW, and CdS/CW-10% under visible light.

Fig. 5. PDOS of CdS (a) and CW (b). Wf values of CdS (202) (c) and CW (-133) (d). (e) Calculated free energy of HER intermediates at zero potential. (f) Calculated H2O adsorption energy. 3D electron differential density structure (g), ELF patterns (h), and corresponding profile plot (i) at CdS/CW heterojunction interface.

Fig. 6. XPS spectra with in-situ irradiation of Cd 3d (a), S 2p (b), Cu 2p (c), and W 4f (d) in CdS/CW-10%. EPR spectra of DMPO-•O2- (e) and DMPO-•OH (f) for CdS, CW, and CdS/CW-10%. (g) Mechanism of visible-light-induced CdS/CW photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

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Visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution over CdS/CuWO₄ S-Scheme heterojunctions: Dual synergistic enhancement via interfacial charge transfer and photothermal activation

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