Formation\nof Hierarchical Co₉S₈@ZnIn₂S₄ Heterostructured Cages as an Efficient\nPhotocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

Here we demonstrate the delicate design and construction\nof hierarchical\nCo₉S₈@ZnIn₂S₄ heterostructured\ncages as an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution with visible\nlight. Two photoactive sulfide semiconductors are rationally integrated\ninto a hierarchical hollow structure with strongly coupled heterogeneous\nshells and two-dimensional ultrathin subunits. The unique architecture\ncan efficiently facilitate the separation and transfer of light-induced\ncharges, offer large surface area, and expose rich active sites for\nphotocatalytic redox reactions. Owing to the distinctive structural\nand compositional benefits, the hierarchical Co₉S₈@ZnIn₂S₄ hollow heterostructures without using\nany cocatalysts show remarkable activity with a hydrogen-producing\nrate of 6250 μmol h^–1 g^–1 and high stability for photocatalytic water splitting.