In situ decoration of ZnS nanoparticles with Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Seeking highly-efficient and cost-effective photocatalyst remains key to boosting photocatalytic H-2 evolution activity. Herein we have designed an innovative, non-heavy-metal-based hybrid photocatalyst via in-situ decoration of ZnS nanoparticles with Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets toward enhanced photocatalytic H-2 production. The incorporation of Ti3C2 essentially promotes the charge transfer and extends the lifetime of photo-induced carriers, thereby resulting in an augmented H(2 )production yield of 502.6 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) under optimal conditions, being almost 4-fold higher than pure ZnS (124.6 mu mol g(-1) h(-1)). Thus, this work has demonstrated ZnS/MXene photocatalytic as a promising candidate for hydrogen generation to boost the entire clean energy system and provided a new insight into further broadening the water splitting application of MXene-based materials. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.