Unveiling Charge-Separation Dynamics in CdS/Metal–Organic Framework Composites for Enhanced Photocatalysis

Photocatalytic water splitting for H2 production becomes one of the most favorable pathways for solar energy utilization, while the charge-separation dynamics in composite photocatalysts is largely elusive. In the present work, CdS-decorated metal–organic framework (MOF) composites, namely, CdS/UiO-66, have been synthesized and exhibit high H2 production activity from photocatalytic water splitting, far surpassing the MOF and CdS counterparts, under visible light irradiation. Transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy has been adopted in this report to unveil the charge-separation dynamics in CdS/UiO-66 composites, a key process that dictates their function in photocatalysis. We show that, in addition to the preferable formation of fine CdS particles assisted by the MOF, effective electron transfer, which occurs from excited CdS to UiO-66, significantly inhibits the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, ultimately boosting the photocatalytic activity for H2 generation. This report on charge-separation dynamics for CdS–MOF composites affords significant insights for future fabrication of advanced composite photocatalysts.