Facile synthesis of ternary CdIn2S4/In(OH)(3)/Zn2GeO4 nanocomposite with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H-2 evolution

A novel in situ hydrolysis reaction method has been developed for the controllable synthesis of ternary CdIn2S4/In(OH)(3)/Zn2GeO4 nanocomposite. The CdIn2S4 and In(OH)(3) content in the ternary system can be conveniently tuned by varying the pH value of the reaction system. The ternary CdIn2S4/In(OH)(3)/Zn2GeO4 (pH = 6.5) nanocomposite sample exhibited the highest photocatalytic H-2 production rate of 1426.90 mu mol h(-1) g(-1), without the assistance of a noble metal. A possible mechanism of H-2-production activity was proposed. The photo-generated electrons in the CB of CdIn2S4 can transfer to the CB of In(OH)(3) and Zn2GeO4, resulting in a rapid separation of photo-generated electrons and holes. This work can not only provide an excellent candidate for visible-light H-2 evolution, but also provide an efficient strategy for designing of new system with high activity for solar hydrogen generation.