Constructing an efficient ZnCo₂O₄/ZnIn₂S₄ composite with boosted visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Herein, a novel ZnCo 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite was prepared through a novel one-pot refluxing wet chemistry process successfully. The phase structure, micro morphology and optical properties of photocatalyst were analyzed through XRD, SEM, XPS and UV-vis spectroscopy. The photocatalysis of the prepared specimens were assessed by the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with visible-light ( λ > 420 nm). Consequently, the ZnCo 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 photocatalyst displayed better photocatalysis than the original constituents for hydrogen evolution. Moreover, the corresponding maximized hydrogen production rate of ZnCo 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite loaded with 15% ZnCo 2 O 4 was 3713.4 μ mol · h −1 · g −1 , which registered approximately 10.2 folds higher than pristine ZnIn 2 S 4 . Moreover, the ZnCo 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composite manifested superior stability during the photocatalytic reactions. In addition, the underlying mechanism for the outstanding performance of hydrogen production was revealed as well. This research offers inspiration for the rational creation of high-efficiency photocatalytic agents for hydrogen evolution.