Energy Band Structure Control and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Study of ZnCdS Solid Solution Image Dataset

1. This dataset is an original image dataset for the study of ZnₓCd₁₋ₓS solid solution photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. All data were generated from in-situ experiments conducted in the Yanzhao Electric Power Laboratory and the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering at North China Electric Power University. The experiments were carried out within the university's regular research cycle, spatially fixed in the laboratory of North China Electric Power University in Baoding City, Hebei Province, with no restrictions on temporal and spatial resolution. All image data were collected in real-time during the experiment, retaining the original test accuracy and characterization dimensions. The generation of this dataset is based on the research background of developing photocatalytic hydrogen production materials. First, analytical pure reagents such as lithium hydroxide monohydrate, cadmium acetate dihydrate, thiourea, and zinc acetate dihydrate were used as raw materials. After being mixed in specific molar ratios, different Zn/Cd molar ratio ZnₓCd₁₋ₓS solid solution catalysts were prepared through urea thermal method at 200°C hydrothermal reaction for 12 hours. Meanwhile, pure CdS and pure ZnS were prepared as control samples. Subsequently, high-precision professional instruments were used to characterize the catalysts in multiple dimensions and test their photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance, synchronously collecting various original experimental image data. Finally, the collected images were standardized and annotated, retaining the original acquisition parameters of the instrument and key experimental information to form a complete original image dataset. The data processing process follows industry standards for material characterization, only annotating key information on the original images, including energy spectrum binding energy, diffraction peak crystal planes, nanoscale features, energy level values, and performance data. There are no excessive retouching or data modification operations to ensure the originality and authenticity of the images. All images are named in a standardized manner as 'Experiment Category - Figure Number', corresponding one-to-one with the figure numbers in the research paper for easy retrieval and comparison. The equipment and tools used for data collection are professional materials characterization and performance testing instruments, including X-ray Diffractometer (Bruker D8 Advance), Scanning Electron Microscope (ZEISS Gemini 300), Transmission Electron Microscope (JEOL 2100F), X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (ESCALAB 250Xi), UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectrophotometer (DRS UV 3600I plus), Fluorescence Spectrophotometer (Edinburgh Instruments FLS980), Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectrometer (ESCALAB 250Xi), and Gas Chromatograph with Thermal Conductivity Detector (FULI GC9790). Auxiliary equipment such as 300W xenon lamp, quartz photocatalytic reactor, and argon gas device were also used during performance testing. 2. This dataset includes the original data of all 9 core experimental images in the research paper along with corresponding annotations and parameter information, without tabular data records. The involved measurement units are all standard units commonly used in the fields of materials science and photocatalysis, including length unit nm, energy unit eV, angle unit °, time unit min/h, light intensity unit mW・cm⁻², molar concentration unit mol・L⁻¹ (M), and hydrogen production rate unit μmol・g⁻¹・h⁻¹. All image data in the dataset are valid data directly collected by instruments, with no data missing. Each type of image fully covers the entire research process, including catalyst synthesis process, crystal structure, micro-morphology, surface chemical properties, light absorption characteristics, band structure, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance, and hydrogen evolution mechanism analysis, with no missing key images or information. During data collection, all instruments were professionally calibrated, and experimental operations strictly followed standard material preparation and characterization specifications. Key performance tests and characterization experiments were repeatedly verified multiple times, with data errors controlled within the conventional error range of material characterization, no systematic errors. A small number of random errors mainly from the detection precision of the instruments themselves and minor environmental fluctuations during experimental operations, all within acceptable ranges and not affecting the overall validity of the data and research conclusions. 3. The data files in the dataset are mainly in image format, including schematic diagrams of text-figures abstract, catalyst synthesis schematic diagrams, XRD diffraction patterns, SEM/TEM/HRTEM micro-morphology images, XPS energy spectra, UV-Vis DRS spectra and Tauc plots, PL photoluminescence spectra, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance figures, VB-XPS and UPS energy spectra, and band structure schematic diagrams, totaling 9 categories. Each category of files corresponds to one characterization or testing content in the research, clearly presenting the structural and performance characteristics of ZnₓCd₁₋ₓS solid solutions. At the same time, an image parameter description document is provided, which includes detailed information such as the acquisition instrument, test conditions, key parameters, and measurement units of each image, assisting in data interpretation. All image files are in common bitmap/vector formats, compatible with mainstream image analysis and processing software such as ImageJ, Origin, XPS Peak Fit, and Photoshop. There are no files in obscure formats, and the relevant software can be downloaded through official and legitimate channels, facilitating researchers to extract data, perform secondary analysis, and use for research. This dataset is owned by the relevant research team at North China Electric Power University. All data are true and reliable, limited to academic research and teaching exchanges, and prohibited from commercial use. It can provide high-fidelity original image data support for structural analysis, band regulation mechanism research, and performance verification of sulfide-based photocatalysts.