Nanohybrid photocatalysts with ZnIn2S4 nanosheets encapsulated UiO-66 octahedral nanoparticles for visible-light-driven hydrogen generation

It is highly desirable to develop efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting. We herein report a rational design for reliable and convenient fabrication of a set of nanocomposites with ZnIn2S4 nanosheets encapsulated UiO-66 octahedral nanoparticles (UiO-66@ZnIn2S4). The comprehensive characterizations verify ZnIn2S4 nanosheets are uniformly decorating on UiO-66 octahedral nanoparticles. The systematic studies demonstrate the UiO-66@ZnIn2S4 (U@Z) holds favorable features to facilitate effective separation and transfer of photochemical charges, thanks to intimate contact interfaces and a well-matched band structure between UiO-66 and ZnIn2S4. The optimal nanocomposite exhibits high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production under visible light illumination, generating hydrogen at an impressive rate of up to 3061.61 mu mol h(-1) g(-1), with an apparent quantum efficiency of 9.84% under the incident monochromatic light of 420 nm.