Remarkable visible-light induced hydrogen generation with ZnIn2S4 microspheres/CuInS2 quantum dots photocatalytic system

A new and active material in the form of ZnIn2S4 microspheres decorated by CuInS2 quantum dots have been obtained by hydrothermal method for the first time. The optimum amount of CuInS2 quantum dots (1.13 wt.%) introduced into rection medium during ZnIn2S4 microspheres synthesis increased the photocatalytic H-2 generation rate by 2.5 times than that of bare ZnIn2S4 photocatalysis under visible light irradiation. This sample exhibited strong photoactivity in the extended visible range up to 540 nm with 30.6% apparent quantum efficiency (lambda = 420 nm). (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.

Automated summary

A new and active material, ZnIn2S4 microspheres decorated with CuInS2 quantum dots, was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method for the first time. The introduction of an optimum amount of CuInS2 quantum dots significantly increased the photocatalytic H-2 generation rate under visible light irradiation, showing strong photoactivity and high apparent quantum efficiency in the extended visible range.