In Situ Growth of ZnIn2S4 on MOF-Derived Ni-Fe LDH to Construct Ternary-Shelled Nanotubes for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

A rational design of a novel ternary-shelled nanotube is attractive in photocatalytic water splitting. Herein, ZnIn2S4 nanosheets were in situ grown on the surface of MIL-88A-derived Ni-Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH) to fabricate ternary-shelled nanotubes (ZIS@ Ni-Fe LDH) via a self-assembly strategy. Characterization indicates that the ZIS@Ni-Fe LDH heterostructure exhibits a high surface area and a well-defined ternary-shelled hollow structure. The optimal heterostructure presents a remarkably improved photocatalytic hydrogen production rate (2035.81 mu mol g(-1) h(-1)) compared with bare ZnIn2S4 and MIL-88-Aderived Ni-Fe LDH under visible light illumination. The effect of ZnIn2S4 loading on the photocatalytic performance and stability of ZIS@Ni-Fe LDH is systematically studied. The ZIS@Ni-Fe LDH heterostructure can make better use of the inner space, provide abundant reactive sites, improve light harvesting, accelerate interfacial electron transfer, and further promote photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Based on the electrocatalytic performance, the probable photocatalytic mechanism and the electron transfer pathway can be proposed. Our work provides a facile and efficient strategy to construct ternary-shelled hetero-junction photocatalysts.

Automated summary

The rational design of a novel ternary-shelled nanotube for photocatalytic water splitting is attractive. By growing ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on the surface of MIL-88A-derived Ni-Fe LDH, the ternary-shelled nanotubes (ZIS@ Ni-Fe LDH) with high surface area and well-defined structure were fabricated. The heterostructure exhibits significantly improved photocatalytic hydrogen production rate, making better use of inner space, providing abundant reactive sites, and accelerating interfacial electron transfer.