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 2 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 2 C/C/Co 0.5 Cd 0.5 S photocatalysts, including different weights of noble metal-free Mo2C/C 2 C/C nanostructures as cocatalysts, were successfully synthesized. As expected, the nanocomposite structures exhibited increased photocatalytic activity relative to single Co0.5Cd0.5S. 0.5 Cd 0.5 S. The nanocomposite containing 5 wt% Mo2C/C 2 C/C exhibited an increased hydrogen production efficiency of 83.86 mmol g- 1 h-1,-1 , which was 8.4 times higher than single Co 0.5 Cd 0.5 S (10.06 mmol g- 1 h-1).-1 ). This implies that for Co0.5Cd0.5S, 0.5 Cd 0.5 S, Mo2C/C 2 C/C increases visible light absorption, facilitates photocarrier separation, and boosts the H2 2 evolution rate. Moreover, conductive carbon nanoparticles, electron mediators with strong interfacial interaction, serve as rapid photo- carrier transfer bridges between Co 0.5 Cd 0.5 S and Mo2C. 2 C. In summary, the superb efficiency of Mo2C/C/Co0.5Cd0.5S 2 C/C/Co 0.5 Cd 0.5 S is accredited to the synergistic effect between Co 0.5 Cd 0.5 S and Mo2C/C, 2 C/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 Sscheme heterojunctions for immensely efficient photocatalytic H2 2 production.