Fabrication of Noble-Metal-Free Mo(2)C/CdIn(2)S(4) Heterojunction Composites with Elevated Carrier Separation for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Molybdenum-based cocatalyst being used to construct heterojunctions for efficient photocatalytic H(2) production is a promising research hotspot. In this work, CdIn(2)S(4) was successfully closely supported on bulk Mo(2)C via the hydrothermal method. Based on their matching band structures, they formed a Type Ⅰ heterojunction after the combination of Mo(2)C (1.1 eV, −0.27 V, 0.83 V) and CdIn(2)S(4) (2.3 eV, −0.74 V, 1.56 V). A series of characterizations proved that the heterojunction composite had higher charge separation efficiency compared to a single compound. Meanwhile, Mo(2)C in heterojunction could act as an active site for hydrogen production. The photocatalytic H(2) production activity of the heterojunction composites was significantly improved, and the maximum activity was up to 1178.32 μmmol h(−1) g(−1) for 5Mo(2)C/CdIn(2)S(4) composites. 5Mo(2)C/CdIn(2)S(4) heterojunction composites possess excellent durability in three cycles (loss of 6%). Additionally, the mechanism of increased activity for composites was also investigated. This study provides a guide to designing noble-metal-free photocatalyst for highly efficient photocatalytic H(2) evolution.