Constructing 0D/2D Z-Scheme Heterojunction of CdS/g-C3N4 with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for H2 Evolution

0D/2D Pt-C 3 N 4 /CdS heterojunction photocatalyst were fabricated with CdS quantum dots interspersed on g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets via successive ionic layer absorption process. The obtained Pt-C 3 N 4 /CdS Z-scheme heterojunction with Pt cocatalyst deposited on g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets exhibited H 2 production rate of 35.3 mmol g −1 h −1 , which is 3.1 times higher than that of Pt-CdS/C 3 N 4 . The enhanced photocatalytic activity are attributed to the Z-scheme charge carrier transfer mechanism with stronger redox ability. The photocatalytic mechanism of the CdS/g-C 3 N 4 composite is investigated and demonstrated in this work. It may provide unique insights to design 0D/2D Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst systems using a facile method for highly efficient H 2 production. Graphic Abstract Schematic illustration of charge transfer modulated by the metal cocatalyst selective deposition on heterojunction-type II (a) and direct Z-Scheme mechanisms (b) over the C 3 N 4 /CdS heterostructure composites under visible light irradiation.