Epitaxial induction driven charge vector Steering in ZnCdS/CuWS S-scheme heterojunctions for superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Enhancing the spatial vector separation of photogenerated charge carriers has emerged as a promising strategy to improve the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production. In this study, we designed a 3D/2D ZnCdS/CuWS S-scheme heterojunction with an intimate interface, leveraging the one-dimensional transport properties of photogenerated carriers in the rod-like structure of ZnCdS. This structural design facilitates the efficient spatial transfer of photogenerated carriers at the interface, significantly boosting the photoreduction capability of the catalyst. Photoelectrochemical analysis revealed that the epitaxial induction strategy markedly enhances the effective separation of photogenerated carriers and augments the catalyst's photoreduction performance. Density functional theory calculations provided a robust theoretical foundation for mechanistic investigations and a detailed analysis of orbital contributions. Additionally, in-situ XPS analysis corroborated the carrier space-vector migration pathway induced by the epitaxial induction strategy. This research offers novel insights into the design of advanced catalysts and the exploration of epitaxially induced carrier migration pathways, paving the way for further advancements in the field.