Next frontier in photocatalytic hydrogen production through CdS heterojunctions

• Published in: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
• Main Author: Islam A.; Malek A.; Islam M.T.; Nipa F.Y.; Raihan O.; Mahmud H.; Uddin M.E.; Ibrahim M.L.; Abdulkareem-Alsultan G.; Mondal A.H.; Hasan M.M.; Salman M.S.; Kubra K.T.; Hasan M.N.; Sheikh M.C.; Uchida T.; Rasee A.I.; Rehan A.I.; Awual M.E.; Hossain M.S.; Waliullah R.M.; Awual M.R.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2025
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85214240172&doi=10.1016%2fj.ijhydene.2024.12.300&partnerID=40&md5=63154fbcf4a0911df77dd12cc54615f9

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂) generation via solar-powered water splitting represents a sustainable solution to the global energy crisis. Cadmium sulfide (CdS) has emerged as a promising semiconductor photocatalyst due to its tunable bandgap, high physicochemical stability, cost-effectiveness, and widespread availability. This review systematically examines recent advancements in CdS-based heterojunctions, categorized into CdS-metal (Schottky), CdS-semiconductor (p-n, Z-scheme, S-scheme), and CdS-carbon heterojunctions. Various strategies employed to enhance photocatalytic efficiency and stability are discussed, including band structure engineering, surface modification, and the incorporation of crosslinked architectures. A critical evaluation of the underlying photocatalytic mechanisms highlights recent efforts to improve charge separation and photostability under operational conditions. This review highlights the challenges and opportunities in advancing CdS-based photocatalysts and provides a direction for future research. The insights presented aim to accelerate the development of efficient and durable CdS-based photocatalysts for sustainable H₂ production. © 2024 The Authors