3D-hierarchical Cu3SnS4 flowerlike microspheres: controlled synthesis, formation mechanism and photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution from water

3D-hierarchical Cu3SnS4 flowerlike microspheres have been successfully synthesized through a solvothermal process. The reaction temperature and the dosage of the sulfur source play significant roles in the growth of Cu3SnS4 flowerlike microspheres. The formation process of the hierarchical microspheres is studied well and a possible mechanism is also proposed. UV-visible absorption spectra show that the as-synthesized Cu3SnS4 microspheres with a direct band gap of 1.38 eV have stronger absorption from the UV to near-IR region. Further studies reveal that the obtained Cu3SnS4 photocatalysts without any loadings exhibit good photocatalytic activity, and the rate of H-2 evolution is determined to be 1.1 mmol h(-1) g(-1) under simulated solar irradiation.