Constructing 0D CoMoS4-3D ZnIn2S4 heterostructure: Strengthened visible light absorption and efficient charge separation for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Constructing heterojunctions with transition metal sulfides is an excellent strategy to reduce the dependency on noble metals in photocatalytic water splitting. Herein, 0D CoMoS4 nanoparticles were first deposited in-situ on the surface of 3D ZnIn2S4 microflowers for constructing heterostructured CoMoS4–ZnIn2S4 (CMS-ZIS) composites. The CMS-ZIS composites showed strengthened absorption capabilities in the visible light region compared with pure ZnIn2S4. The electron microscopy scanning images indicate that countless CoMoS4 particles were loaded into the gaps on the surface of ZnIn2S4 microflowers, resulting in a close interface contact between the materials. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) rate of the optimized CMS-ZIS-3 product is 6.43 folds that of pure ZnIn2S4, which is approximately 3942.1 μmol g−1 h−1. The enhanced activity should be attributed to the promoted carrier transfer rate and reduced recombination efficiency. We inferred the possible mechanism for photocatalytic hydrogen production over CMS-ZIS-3 based on the band potential and photoelectrochemical testing results. This study provides a feasible strategy for designing efficient and cost-effective 0D/3D heterostructures.