Boosted photoinduced charge separation in FeNi2S4@Cd0.9Zn0.1S Step-scheme heterojunction for photothermal assisted photocatalytic water splitting into hydrogen

A unique FeNi2S4@Cd0.9Zn0.1S S-Scheme photothermal assisted heterojunction photocatalyst was fabricated; the synergistic enhancement of the photothermal effect in hollow FeNi2S4 and the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism in heterojunction induced a satisfactory H2 evolution rate of 13.1 mmol g-1h−1, which is ∼26.2-fold higher than that of pristine Cd0.9Zn0.1S. [Display omitted] •A unique photothermal assisted FeNi2S4@Cd0.9Zn0.1S S-Scheme heterojunction was fabricated.•The heterojunction showed a satisfactory H2 evolution rate of 13.1 mmol g-1h−1.•26.2-fold increase in H2 evolution was achieved over the heterojunction.•Photothermal effect and S-scheme charge transfer pathway functioned synergistically.•The heterojunction exhibits potential for multi-path collection of solar and thermal energy. Rational design of photocatalysts with photothermal effect to maximize light utilization is pivotal in achieving superior photocatalytic efficiency. In this work, by coating Cd0.9Zn0.1S (CZS) nanorods on hollow FeNi2S4 (FNS) microspheres with photothermal effect, a novel FeNi2S4@Cd0.9Zn0.1S (FNS@CZS) Step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunction photocatalyst was constructed for efficient photothermal-assisted hydrogen (H2) evolution via simultaneously employing light and thermal energy. The hollow structure of FNS microsphere not only provides abundant reactive sites but also serves as a supportive substrate for CZS nanorods, effectively inhibiting their agglomeration. And the unique hollow structure of FNS allows for multiple reflections and refractions of visible light, enhancing the local temperature of the photocatalyst. This effectively minimizes thermal losses within the composite system, thereby enhancing the efficiency of light energy utilization. Furthermore, the formation of the S-scheme heterojunction facilitates the efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers and enhances the activity of redox reactions, thereby boosting the overall photocatalytic activity. Experimental results reveal that the H2 production rate of the FNS@CZS heterojunction reaches 12.9 mmol·g−1·h−1, which is 25.1 times higher than that of pristine CZS. By controlling the experimental temperature, the impact of the photothermal effect on the photocatalytic H2 production rate has been clarified. According to relevant evidence from infrared thermography and DFT calculations, comprehensive analyses and discussions were conducted on the photothermal effect and S-scheme charge transfer mec