Formation of Hierarchical Co<sub>9</sub>S<sub>8</sub>@ZnIn<sub>2</sub>S<sub>4</sub> Heterostructured Cages as an Efficient Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution
Sibo Wang, Bu Yuan Guan, Xiao Wang, Xiong Wen Lou
Abstract
Here we demonstrate the delicate design and construction of hierarchical Co9S8@ZnIn2S4 heterostructured cages as an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution with visible light. Two photoactive sulfide semiconductors are rationally integrated into a hierarchical hollow structure with strongly coupled heterogeneous shells and two-dimensional ultrathin subunits. The unique architecture can efficiently facilitate the separation and transfer of light-induced charges, offer large surface area, and expose rich active sites for photocatalytic redox reactions. Owing to the distinctive structural and compositional benefits, the hierarchical Co9S8@ZnIn2S4 hollow heterostructures without using any cocatalysts show remarkable activity with a hydrogen-producing rate of 6250 μmol h–1 g–1 and high stability for photocatalytic water splitting.