Integrating Mo2C/C as cocatalyst into S-scheme Mo2C/C/Co0.5Cd0.5S heterojunction with spatial photocarrier separation for photocatalytic synergistic H2 evolution

Reasonable design and production of potent photocatalysts for sustainable H2 production from solar energy is one of the necessary strategies in the photocatalysis process. The S-scheme heterojunction exposes remarkable superiority in boosting light harvesting and progressing photocarrier separation efficiency in the photocatalyst. Here, new S-scheme heterojunction Mo2C/C/Co0.5Cd0.5S photocatalysts, including different weights of noble metal-free Mo2C/C nanostructures as cocatalysts, were successfully synthesized. As expected, the nanocomposite structures exhibited increased photocatalytic activity relative to single Co0.5Cd0.5S. The nanocomposite containing 5 wt% Mo2C/C exhibited an increased hydrogen production efficiency of 83.86 mmol g−1 h−1, which was 8.4 times higher than single Co0.5Cd0.5S (10.06 mmol g−1 h−1). This implies that for Co0.5Cd0.5S, Mo2C/C increases visible light absorption, facilitates photocarrier separation, and boosts the H2 evolution rate. Moreover, conductive carbon nanoparticles, electron mediators with strong interfacial interaction, serve as rapid photocarrier transfer bridges between Co0.5Cd0.5S and Mo2C. In summary, the superb efficiency of Mo2C/C/Co0.5Cd0.5S is accredited to the synergistic effect between Co0.5Cd0.5S and Mo2C/C, the creation of S-scheme heterojunction, which assists the separation of photocarriers and declines the recombination possibilities. This research ensures a reference and new profound insight for understanding and designing noble metal-free cocatalyst-assisted S-scheme heterojunctions for immensely efficient photocatalytic H2 production.