Recent Developments in the Design of CdxZn1-xS-Based Photocatalysts for Sustainable Production of Hydrogen

Photocatalytic production of clean fuel hydrogen (H-2) from water using semiconductor nanomaterials as photocatalysts aided by natural sunlight represents a promising means to fulfill the growing energy demand and for mitigating increasing concentration of atmospheric CO2 due to the burning of fossil fuels. Among the widely studied semiconductor nanomaterials, CdxZn1-xS ternary system has gained significant interest due to its tunable band edge, optical, and electronic properties by merely varying the Cd2+/Zn2+ content. Consequently, CdxZn1-xS-based nanostructures have been extensively studied as promising visible-light-active photocatalysts for H-2 production from water and other photocatalytic transformations. Herein, a comprehensive account of the research progress in the development of CdxZn1-xS-based photocatalysts for the production of solar fuel, H-2 from water is provided. Further, various strategies used in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of CdxZn1-xS photocatalysts, like control of the morphology (0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D), bandgap engineering, and fabrication of various heterostructures have been discussed in detail. Furthermore, opportunities and future perspectives of CdxZn1-xS-based photocatalysts for practical applications have also been discussed. Overall, the importance of CdxZn1-xS-based photocatalysts is showcased for efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen production and can be beneficial for the design of sustainable photocatalytic systems.