Microwave synthesized nano-photosensitizer of CdS QD/MoO₃–OV/g–C₃N₄ heterojunction catalyst for hydrogen evolution under full-spectrum light

In this study, facile solid-state CdS quantum dots (QDs) supported MoO₃/g-C₃N₄ nanostructure photocatalysts were prepared via an innovative in-situ deposition protocol with consecutive ionic layer adsorption and reaction. The CdS QDs-anchored MoO₃/g-C₃N₄ heterostructure photocatalysts demonstrated enhanced visible-light absorption capacity, which was realized by the quantum confinement of the CdS QDs. The maximum photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂) production rate with the CdS QDs-anchored MoO₃/g-C₃N₄ heterostructure photocatalysts reached 294.32 μmol g^{− 1} h⁻¹, which was 76.84, 215.21, 27.12, and 3.64 folds superior as compare to bare g-C₃N₄, MoO₃, CdS, and MoO₃/g-C₃N₄ catalysts, respectively. The enriched photocatalytic performance was mainly credited to the high surface area and MoO₃ with oxygen vacancies (OV), ultra-thin g-C₃N₄ and high optical adsorption ability of CdS QDs. Thus, forming a dual Z-scheme system in the CdS QDs-supported MoO₃-OV/g-C₃N₄ nanostructures not only facilitated efficient interfacial charge transfer but also preserved the robust redox ability of the photoinduced electrons and holes.