Construction of Direct Z-Scheme Heterojunction NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)/Zn0.5Cd0.5S for Photocatalytic H2 Evolution

It is of great significance to construct heterojunctions using industrially produced co-catalysts. The direct Z-scheme composite photocatalyst provides an effective separation of photogenerated carriers. Herein, a kind of novel 2D/3D direct Z-scheme NiFe-LDH/Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S is prepared. Compared with fresh catalysts, the NiFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH)/Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S composite exhibits advantages including excellent visible light response ability and photoelectric performance and improved H 2 evolution rate by 11.6 times. Combining with theoretical calculations, ESR, XPS, and experimental results, the direct Z-scheme mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction is proposed. There is a channel for electron transfer between Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S and NiFe-LDH, and the electrons of Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S directly combine with the valence band holes of NiFe-LDH. Finally, the electrons remaining on NiFe-LDH can reduce H + to generate H 2 . This process effectively achieves separation of photogenerated carriers and increases photocatalytic H 2 evolution.