Formation of Hierarchical Co₉S₈@ZnIn₂S₄ Heterostructured Cages as an Efficient Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution

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.