Metal sulphide semiconductors for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Photocatalytic hydrogen production using semiconductor materials is one of the ideal processes for direct solar energy conversion. Sulphide semiconductor photocatalysts have attracted much attention due to their excellent solar spectrum responses and high photocatalytic activities. This article presents recent research progress in the development of visible light driven sulphide photocatalysts, focusing on the expansion of solar spectrum response and enhancement of charge separation efficiency. As is known, the ultimate goal of photocatalytic hydrogen production is to meet the practical energy demand of human beings. Thus, design of highly efficient and low cost sulphide photocatalysts with excellent sunlight response is highly desired. So we also highlight the crucial issues in the development of highly efficient sulphide photocatalysts without noble metal cocatalysts. The present paper is expected to provide important scientific reference for future works. Finally, the challenges and perspectives in this area are also discussed.