Remarkable visible-light induced hydrogen generation with ZnIn2S4 microspheres/CuInS2 quantum dots photocatalytic system

Abstract

A new and active material in the form of ZnIn2S4 microspheres decorated by CuInS2 quantum dots have been obtained by hydrothermal method for the first time. The optimum amount of CuInS2 quantum dots (1.13 wt.%) introduced into rection medium during ZnIn2S4 microspheres synthesis increased the photocatalytic H2 generation rate by 2.5 times than that of bare ZnIn2S4 photocatalysis under visible light irradiation. This sample exhibited strong photoactivity in the extended visible range up to 540 nm with 30.6% apparent quantum efficiency (λ = 420 nm).