ReS₂/CdIn₂S₄–S_V Heterojunctions for Photocatalytic\nHydrogen Production

Abstract

In this study, through vacancy engineering and nanomorphology\ncontrol,\na sulfur vacancy-rich three-/two-dimensional (3D/2D) ReS₂/CdIn₂S₄–S_V heterojunction\nphotocatalyst was rationally constructed to achieve efficient spatial\nseparation of charge carriers. This plays a crucial role in developing\nhigh-performance photocatalysts for effectively transforming solar\nenergy into chemical energy. The optimized ReS₂/CdIn₂S₄–S_V (RCIS-S_V) composite\nmaterial demonstrated a hydrogen production rate of 1.412 mmol·g^–1·h^–1, nearly 4.4 times that\nof CdIn₂S₄–S_V (0.322 mmol·g^–1·h^–1) and approximately 22.8\ntimes that of CdIn₂S₄ (0.062 mmol·g^–1·h^–1). Scanning electron microscopy\n(SEM) tests confirmed that upon the addition of octadecyltrimethylammonium\nbromide (OTAB) ligands, CdIn₂S₄ successfully\ntransitioned from a three-dimensional to a two-dimensional structure,\nthereby enhancing the feasibility for surface modification and functionalization.\nThe strong interface charge carrier transfer efficiency within the\n3D/2D ReS₂/CdIn₂S₄–S_V heterojunction photocatalyst, further enhanced by the synergistic\neffect of sulfur vacancies acting as electron traps and the incorporation\nof ReS₂, significantly promotes the separation of photogenerated\ncharges. By integrating 3D/2D heterostructures with sulfur vacancies,\nthis study aims to offer valuable guidance for the rational design\nof efficient photocatalysts.