Rational design of semiconductor-based photocatalysts for advanced photocatalytic hydrogen production: the case of cadmium chalcogenides

Semiconductor-based photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production from water has recently received considerable attention because of its enormous potential for solving worldwide ever-increasing energy crises and environmental issues. Among various semiconductors, cadmium chalcogenides (CdX, X = S, Se, Te), with a variety of superior properties including appropriate bandgaps for visible-light absorption, proper conduction band edge potentials for water reduction and abundant reserves on the earth, have fuelled great interest in exploring their photocatalytic properties for solar-driven H2 production from water. This review article summarizes the recent progress in developing CdX-based photocatalyst systems for the production of H2 from solar water splitting. The basic mechanistic fundamentals of CdX photocatalysts and various strategies to enhance the activity and stability of this class of photocatalysts are introduced in detail. Finally, some key scientific issues and prospective directions in this area of research are also discussed.