High-Entropy Oxides Facilitated Heterojunction Engineering With Superlattice Cd0.6Mn0.4S for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

This study successfully constructed a highly efficient and stable photocatalytic system based on a triple synergistic catalytic mechanism involving multimetal component synergy, interfacial charge rearrangement, and Schottky barrier modulation. One-dimensional axially oriented superlattice Cd0.6Mn0.4S nanorods were prepared via a solvothermal method. The unique periodic arrangement of CdS and MnS units creates axial separation channels for electrons and holes, significantly reducing the bulk charge recombination rate. Subsequently, CuCoNiZnAlO high-entropy oxide was successfully loaded onto the surface of Cd0.6Mn0.4S using a wet chemical precipitation method. Hydrogen evolution experiments demonstrate that the CC-15 composite catalyst exhibits 3.73 times the activity of pristine Cd0.6Mn0.4S. Experimental characterizations collectively confirm a substantial enhancement in photogenerated carrier separation efficiency within the CC-15 composite. Subsequently, in situ XPS and charge density difference analyses provide direct dynamic evidence, indicating the directional transfer of electrons from Cd0.6Mn0.4S to HEO under light illumination. This work offers a new perspective for replacing noble-metal cocatalysts with transition-metal-based alternatives.