In Situ Decoration of Zn_xCd_1−xS with FeP for Efficient Photocatalytic Generation of Hydrogen under Irradiation with Visible Light

FeP as a noble-metal-free catalyst has been successfully decorated onto the Zn_xCd_1−xS photocatalyst surface through an in situ phosphating process. In particular, the 2 % FeP/Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S−P sample showed the best hydrogen generation activity of 24.45 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ which is over 130 times higher than that of pure Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S and nearly 1.3 times higher than that of the 1 % Pt-loaded Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S−P sample. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) of the 2 % FeP/Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S−P was estimated to be over 10 % at wavelengths up to 470 nm. The fluorescence spectra and electrochemical measurement results suggest that the decorated FeP not only reduces the overpotential for H₂ evolution but also promotes the separation of the photogenerated charge carriers through formation of a heterojunction with Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S, which eventually leads to the superior activity of the FeP/Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S−P photocatalyst for visible-light-driven hydrogen generation.