A novel bimetallic sulfide catalyst, ZnxCd(1-x)S, synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal process, has demonstrated exceptional efficiency in the efficient oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2, 5-dimethylacylfuran (DFF). This transformation is achieved under environmentally benign conditions: without any external oxidant at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, with water as the solvent and visible light. The unique 3D flower-like nanosphere structure of Zn0.4Cd0.6S, characterized by a synergistic composition of ZnS and CdS, facilitates the simultaneous photocatalytic oxidation of water and HMF. The synergistic action of superoxide (∙O2-) and single-linear state oxygen (1O2) served as the main active radicals generated in situ from water photolysis. Remarkably, Zn0.4Cd0.6S exhibited an excellent performance, achieving a remarkable product yield over 50 % and 75 % selectivity after only 3 h. This work presents a sustainable approach to the valorization of HMF and advances the field of photocatalysis without reliance on additional oxidants.