The morphological research of ZnxCd1-xS based photocatalysts for energy conversion

Photocatalytic technology has aroused wide interest in the conversion of solar energy to solve the environmental and energy problems. Compared with the traditional TiO2, ZnO and other materials, ZnxCd1-xS (ZCS) photocatalysts greatly improve the utilization rate of solar energy, because of their advantages of flexible band gap and band edge position, simple synthesis process, strong visible light response and strong photocorrosion resistance. However, the disadvantages of high recombination rate, small specific surface area and low quantum yield limit their application. To overcome these problems, many strategies are developed, such as adjusting morphology, designing defects, loading cocatalysts, compositing with other semiconductor, intensive study on the enhancement mechanism and so on. Combined our recent works and a large number of morphology studies, it is found that regulating the morphology of ZCS is still a challenge in exploring the photocatalytic activity. In this review, the morphological research of ZCS based photocatalysts published in recent years is summarized and commented to promote the application of photocatalytic technology in energy conversion. This work provides not only a deep insight into understanding the relationship between morphology and photocatalytic performance, but also significant reference and inspiration for more researchers to design efficient and green photocatalysts.