Supporting Ultrathin ZnIn2S4 Nanosheets on Co/N-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nanocages for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Generation

Ultrathin ZnIn2S4 nanosheets (NSs) are grown on Co/N-doped graphitic carbon (NGC) nanocages, composed of Co nanoparticles surrounded by few-layered NGC, to obtain hierarchical Co/NGC@ZnIn2S4 hollow heterostructures for photocatalytic H-2 generation with visible light. The photoredox functions of discrete Co, conductive NGC, and ZnIn2S4 NSs are precisely combined into hierarchical composite cages possessing strongly hybridized shell and ultrathin layered substructures. Such structural and compositional virtues can expedite charge separation and mobility, offer large surface area and abundant reactive sites for water photosplitting. The Co/NGC@ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst exhibits outstanding H-2 evolution activity (e.g., 11270 mu mol h(-1) g(-1)) and high stability without engaging any cocatalyst.