Construction of highly efficient CuS/CdS nanostructure for enhanced solar H2 evolution

[Display omitted] •Preparation of CuS/CdS photocatalytic H2 production.•The synthesized CuS/CdS sample exhibits the highest H2 production (824 μmol/g)•Improved absorption of visible light and competent charge carrier partition.•A plausible photocatalytic H2 reaction mechanism has been elucidated. The fabrication of efficient photocatalytic system for enhanced production of hydrogen is exceptionally thought-provoking.To address this issue herein we fabricated the CuS/CdS heterostructures by ultrasonication for photocatalytic H2 production. The structural integrity of the produced heterostructure is confirmed by the aid of analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction studies (XRD), Ultraviolet–Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The fabricated CuS/CdS sample exhibited the highest H2 production rate (824 μmol/g) than CuS (67 μmol/g) and CdS (135 μmol/g) under simulated solar illumination. The hydrogen output is noticeably enhanced due to improved absorption of visible light and competent charge carrier partition. It was confirmed by UV–vis diffuse reflectivity and photoluminescence spectra (PL) as charge carrier parting was effective as absorption of visible light was enhanced. A plausible photocatalytic H2 reaction mechanism has been elucidated from increased charge carrier division and visible light absorptivity. This work depicts a new approach for greatly resourceful nano architecture for energy-related applications.