Synergistic hydrogen generation through a 2D-2D NiCuInS2:In2S3g-C3N4 dual S-scheme heterojunction nanosheets

In this study, we report on the synthesis and characterization of 2D-2D nanosheets of NiCuInS2: In2S3/g-C3N4 (NCIS/CN) as a highly efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen production. Under visible light irradiation, the NCIS/ CN heterojunction exhibited a remarkable hydrogen production rate of 2.5 mmol/h/g, which is 133-fold higher than the pristine CN and NCIS. This exceptional performance was attributed to the synergetic effects of Ni-Cu-In trimetallic active sites for hydrogen adsorption-desorption and dual S-scheme heterojunction, which facilitated charge separation and transfer. The heterojunction was characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, which revealed the presence of staggered band alignment and a double internal electric field. These results demonstrate the potential of 2D-2D heterojunctions for the development of highly efficient photocatalysts for renewable energy production and pave the way for the design of new and innovative heterojunctions for various photocatalytic applications.

Automated summary

In this study, a new 2D-2D nanosheet photocatalyst was developed with NiCuInS2: In2S3/g-C3N4. The heterojunction exhibited significantly improved hydrogen production due to the synergistic effects of Ni-Cu-In trimetallic active sites and the dual S-scheme heterojunction, enabling efficient charge separation and transfer.