Photochemical route for synthesizing Co–P alloy decorated ZnIn2S4 with enhanced photocatalytic H2 production activity under visible light irradiation

Abstract

A series of amorphous Co–P alloy modified ZnIn₂S₄ composite samples were synthesized through a one-step photochemical method. The as-prepared samples were systematically characterized and the photocatalytic activity for H₂ production under visible-light irradiation was investigated. It was found that the Co–P/ZnIn₂S₄ composite samples exhibited higher photocatalytic activity, which is 44 times higher than that of pure ZnIn₂S₄ and higher than that of the 1 wt% Pt/ZnIn₂S₄ sample. After modifying with amorphous Co–P alloy, the composite samples showed enhanced photocurrent, reduced photoelectric impedance, weakened fluorescence intensity and extended fluorescence lifetime, which accelerate the separation and transfer of photoinduced charge effectively, thus improving the catalytic activity of the composite sample. This work could provide a new strategy for the design and synthesis of low-cost, high-efficiency composite materials for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and is promising for energy conversion and utilization.