H2 evolution from aqueous sulfite solutions under visible-light irradiation over Pb and halogen-codoped ZnS photocatalysts

Pb-doped ZnS showed a photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution from an aqueous K2SO3 solution under visible-light irradiation (λ>420 nm) even without a Pt cocatalyst. Codoping of a halogen ion with Pb improved the photocatalytic activity. The visible-light response was due to the transition from a 6s orbital of Pb2+ to the conduction band of ZnS of the host material.