Synthesis of ZnIn2S4@Co3S4 particles derived from ZIF-67 for photocatalytic hydrogen production

In this work, ZIF-67 derivative Co3S4 with diamond dodecahedron structure was firstly synthesized via a series of reactions, and ZnIn2S4@Co3S4 heterostructures with adjustable band gaps were successfully obtained through a simple hydrothermal method. Consequently, ZnIn2S4@Co3S4 heterostructures have significantly enhanced visible light absorption and improved photocatalytic efficiency, among which the ZC-5 composite exhibits the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate up to 4261 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) under simulated sunlight, to be approximately 4.8 times higher than that of pure ZnIn2S4. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to faster electron transfer and more efficient electron-hole pairs separation derived from the heterostructures which form at the interface between Co3S4 and ZnIn2S4. Thus, this study provides a good strategy for photocatalytic hydrogen production without precious metals using heterostructures.

Automated summary

In this study, ZIF-67 derivative Co3S4 with diamond dodecahedron structure was synthesized and ZnIn2S4@Co3S4 heterostructures with adjustable band gaps were successfully obtained. The heterostructures showed significantly enhanced visible light absorption and improved photocatalytic efficiency, with the ZC-5 composite exhibiting the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to faster electron transfer and more efficient electron-hole pairs separation at the interface between Co3S4 and ZnIn2S4.