Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution over Hierarchical Composites of ZnIn₂S₄ Nanosheets Grown on MoS₂ Slices

Abstract

Abstract A highly active hierarchical MoS 2 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite catalyst was synthesized in situ by using a facile controlled‐growth approach through a solvothermal process. During the solvothermal reaction, 2D ultrathin curled ZnIn 2 S 4 nanosheets grew on the surface of MoS 2 slices, which could help to form a more‐homogeneous mixture, effective interfacial contact, and strong interactions between the ZnIn 2 S 4 nanosheets and the MoS 2 slices. The intimate contact between ZnIn 2 S 4 and MoS 2 favored the formation of junctions between the two components, thereby improving the charge separation and prolonging the mean lifetime of the electron–hole pairs. Moreover, growing ZnIn 2 S 4 nanosheets by visible‐light catalysis on MoS 2 slices afforded a higher number of available catalytically active sites. So, the photocatalytic hydrogen‐evolution performance of the hierarchical MoS 2 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite was significantly enhanced, owing to a synergistic effect of these factors. This work could provide new insights into the fabrication of a highly efficient and low‐cost non‐noble‐metal co‐catalyst for visible‐light H 2 generation.