In-situ growth of CdS quantum dots on g-C3N4 nanosheets for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation

Abstract Well dispersed CdS quantum dots were successfully grown in-situ on g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets through a solvothermal method involving dimethyl sulfoxide. The resultant CdS–C 3 N 4 nanocomposites exhibit remarkably higher efficiency for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation as compared to pure g-C 3 N 4 . The optimal composite with 12 wt% CdS showed a hydrogen evolution rate of 4.494 mmol h −1  g −1 , which is more than 115 times higher than that of pure g-C 3 N 4 . The enhanced photocatalytic activity induced by the in-situ grown CdS quantum dots is attributed to the interfacial transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes between g-C 3 N 4 and CdS, which leads to effective charge separation on both parts.