Constructing magnetically recoverable CdS/CaFe2O4 P-N heterojunctions for enhanced photoelectrochemical properties towards H2 evolution reaction

A novel CdS/CaFe2O4 (CS/CFO) heterogeneous p-n junction was created by thermal deposition of CaFe2O4 nanoparticles on CdS rods. The CS/CFO hetero-structured photocatalysts exhibited increasingly efficient visible light harvesting compared to the bare CdS. The CS/CFO composites also presented higher photocurrent and slower decay of photoluminescence, suggesting a better separation of the photo-generated electrons and holes. The photocatalytic H-2 evolution quantity on the optimized CS/CFO composite from water in the presence of ethanol was up to 2200 mu mol after 3-h visible light illumination, which is more than twice that of the pristine CdS. The chemical interaction between CdS and CaFe2O4 was confirmed by the shifts in the XPS peaks, which made it possible for the charge carriers to transfer across the p-n junction interface. This research highlights the importance of forming an interfacial p-n heterojunction between two semiconductors for efficient charge separation and improved photocatalytic performance.

Automated summary

A novel CdS/CaFe2O4 (CS/CFO) heterogeneous p-n junction was created by thermal deposition of CaFe2O4 nanoparticles on CdS rods, showing improved visible light harvesting and better separation of photo-generated electrons and holes. This research highlights the importance of forming an interfacial p-n heterojunction between two semiconductors for efficient charge separation and improved photocatalytic performance.