Efficient TaON/CdZnS nanorods with enhanced interfacial charge transfer for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution

Constructing an efficient photoelectron transfer route to improve carrier separation efficiency is crucial for photocatalytic H2 evolution. Herein, TaON nanoparticles modified CdZnS nanorods were successfully prepared via a simple hydrothermal method for efficient H2 evolution under visible light irradiation. Experimental results show that the obtained 12 wt% TaON/CdZnS nanocomposites exhibit remarkable photocatalytic activity reaching to 7.43 mmol h−1 g−1, which was 1.5 times higher than that of pristine CdZnS nanorods. The TaON/CdZnS nanorods promote the abilities of charge separation and transfer by establishing n-n type heterojunctions, thereby promoting photocatalytic hydrogen performance. This work not only demonstrates the TaON as a promising co-catalyst in photocatalysis but also provides a model system for further improvement in Cd-based materials for H2 production. [Display omitted] •CdZnS nanorods with various ratios of TaON nanoparticles were prepared.•12 wt% T-CZS exhibit good stability and remarkable photocatalytic activity.•Enhanced performance is attributed to its optical and electrochemical properties.