Chinese Journal of Catalysis

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Recent advances on CdS-based H2-production photocatalyst

Aiyun Menga,1, Wei Zhonga,1, Miaoli Gua, Xiaoyuan Wua, Weilai Yub,*, Yaorong Sua,*   

  1. aCollege of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, Guangdong, China;
    bDepartment of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada
  • Received:2025-11-19 Accepted:2025-12-18
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China (22272110, 22178224, 22402126), the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (2023A1515110535), the Natural Science Foundation of Top Talent of SZTU (GDRC202535), the Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollutant Analysis & Reuse Technology (Hubei Normal University), Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (RCBS20231211090522041, 20231127203830001), and the Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Applied Technologies of Super-Diamond and Functional Crystals (ZDSYS20230626091303007).

Abstract: Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production presents a promising pathway for sustainable energy generation. Among various semiconductors, cadmium sulfide (CdS) stands out as a leading visible-light-responsive photocatalyst due to its narrow bandgap and suitable conduction band potential. However, its severe charge carrier recombination and photo-corrosion significantly hinder practical application. While previous reviews have summarized this field, they fail to encompass the latest breakthroughs in the fields of material synthesis, mechanistic understanding aided by advanced characterizations, and innovative photocatalytic applications. Especially, their performance in the context of high-value chemical synthesis has been rarely summarized. This review is therefore timely and aims to highlight recent advances in engineering CdS-based photocatalysts to optimize charge carrier utilization and achieve highly efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution. We begin with a brief overview of the fundamental properties of CdS-based photocatalysts. Next, we discuss key strategies for performance enhancement, including morphological design, solid solution engineering, cocatalyst integration, and heterojunction construction. We then examine advanced pathways for charge carrier utilization, focusing on both pure water splitting and systems where H2 generation is coupled with the production of value-added chemicals. Finally, we outline the current challenges and prospects for CdS-based photocatalysts in the context of sustainable H2 production. This review provides insights into the rational design of high-performance CdS-based photocatalysts, paving the way for more efficient utilization of photogenerated charge carriers.

Key words: CdS, Photocatalyst, H2 production, High-value chemical synthesis, Optimize charge carrier utilization