Polarised electric field induced efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production at NiCrO₄/ZnCdS heterogeneous interface

Zinc-cadmium sulfide (ZnCdS) has garnered significant attention as a potential photocatalyst for hydrogen production under visible light. However, enhancing the hydrogen production rate and long-term stability of ZnCdS remains a considerable challenge in the field. In this research, ZnCdS/NiCrO₄ nanocomposites were synthesized via the physical stirring method, forming a p-n heterojunction. This heterojunction induces a localized polarization electric field at the interface due to electron cloud redistribution. The resulting electric field effectively improves charge carrier separation and facilitates the rapid migration of electrons and holes, thereby markedly enhancing the photocatalytic performance of the material in various reaction systems. Notably, the hydrogen production efficiency of the ZnCdS/NiCrO₄ nanocomposite is 6.5 times higher than that of pure ZnCdS when tested in a lactic acid solution. Additionally, in a Na₂S/Na₂SO₃ solution, the nanocomposite achieves a hydrogen production yield of 760.89 μmol. This research underscores the critical role of the polarization electric field in enhancing charge separation and the overall catalytic performance, offering significant insights for the development and optimization of advanced photocatalytic materials.