Metal Sulfide S‐Scheme Homojunction for Photocatalytic Selective Phenylcarbinol Oxidation

Abstract

Metal sulfide‐based homojunction photocatalysts are extensively explored with improved photocatalytic performance. However, the construction of metal sulfide‐based S‐scheme homojunction remains a challenge. Herein, the fabrication of 2D CdIn₂S₄ nanosheets coated 3D CdIn₂S₄ octahedra (referred to as 2D/3D n‐CIS/o‐CIS) S‐scheme homojunction photocatalyst is reported by simply adjustment of polyvinyl pyrrolidone amount during the solvothermal synthesis. The formation of S‐scheme homojunction within n‐CIS/o‐CIS is systematically investigated via a series of characterizations, which can generate an internal electric field to facilitate the separation and migration of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. The 2D/3D n‐CIS/o‐CIS composite exhibits significantly improved photocatalytic activity and stability in the selective oxidation of phenylcarbinol (PhCH₂OH) to benzaldehyde (PhCHO) when compared to pure n‐CIS and o‐CIS samples under visible light irradiation. It is hoped that this work can contribute novel insights into the development of metal sulfides S‐scheme homojunction photocatalysts for solar energy conversion.