A novel SiC/Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S solid-state Z-scheme system and its enhanced hydrogen production activity

In this article, we for the first time synthesized a series of SiC@Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S core-shell Z-scheme nanostructure, with the thickness of the shell varies from 12 nm to 60 nm, and the excellent photocatalytic exists because of the Z-scheme heterojunction mechanism. The Z-scheme system of SiC@Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S core-shell structure was proven by the in situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the system separated the photo-generated electron-hole pairs, and the core-shell structure performed better photocatalytic properties than Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S on the hydrogen production under UV–vis light irradiation. With decreasing of the shell thickness, the transient photocurrent response of the SiC@Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S increased and the photoluminescence decreased, anticipating the creation, collection, transportation of electrons/holes increased, and the electrons/holes recombination suppressed. The hydrogen production rate enhanced to 334% comparing with pure Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S, showing the advantage of SiC@Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S core-shell Z-scheme heterojunction nanostructure.