A metal–organic framework-derived Zn1−xCdxS/CdS heterojunction for efficient visible light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production.

ZCS-C (ZnCdS/CdS) QDs were synthesized via low-temperature vulcanization using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles as a precursor, cation exchange, and heterojunction construction. Without any precious metal as a cocatalyst, the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of ZCS-C-3 QDs reached 2.7 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under visible light irradiation. The optimized sample exhibited an outstanding chemical stability and recyclability, which is superior to most of the reported Zn_1−xCd_xS-based photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]