Formation of hierarchical Co9S8@ZnIn2S4 heterostructured cages as an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Here we demonstrate the delicate design and construction of hierarchical Co9S8@ZnIn2S4 heterostructured cages as an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution with visible light. Two photoactive sulfide semiconductors are rationally integrated into a hierarchical hollow structure with strongly coupled heterogeneous shells and two-dimensional ultrathin subunits. The unique architecture can efficiently facilitate the separation and transfer of light-induced charges, offer large surface area, and expose rich active sites for photocatalytic redox reactions. Owing to the distinctive structural and compositional benefits, the hierarchical Co9S8@ZnIn2S4 hollow heterostructures without using any cocatalysts show remarkable activity with a hydrogen-producing rate of 6250 μmol h-1 g-1 and high stability for photocatalytic water splitting.