Synthesis of ZnIn2S4@Co3S4 particles derived from ZIF-67 for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

In this work, ZIF-67 derivative Co₃S₄ with diamond dodecahedron structure was firstly synthesized via a series of reactions, and ZnIn₂S₄@Co₃S₄ heterostructures with adjustable band gaps were successfully obtained through a simple hydrothermal method. Consequently, ZnIn₂S₄@Co₃S₄ heterostructures have significantly enhanced visible light absorption and improved photocatalytic efficiency, among which the ZC-5 composite exhibits the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate up to 4261 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under simulated sunlight, to be approximately 4.8 times higher than that of pure ZnIn₂S₄. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to faster electron transfer and more efficient electron–hole pairs separation derived from the heterostructures which form at the interface between Co₃S₄ and ZnIn₂S₄. Thus, this study provides a good strategy for photocatalytic hydrogen production without precious metals using heterostructures.