Fundamentals and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution applications of quaternary chalcogenide semiconductor: Cu ₂ ZnSnS ₄

Abstract

Abstract Inexpensive, safe, and efficient conversion of solar energy to hydrogen from water splitting requires the development of effective and durable photocatalysts. Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS), the emerging quaternary chalcogenide material for solar energy conversion, possesses many advantages, such as narrow direct band gap (1.5 eV), non‐toxic, earth‐abundance, and low melting point. Currently, CZTS‐based photocatalysts have been extensively investigated for their application as an active photocatalyst in hydrogen evolution from water splitting, while the performance is still highly needed to be improved for the practical applications. In this review, first, the crystal and band structure properties of CZTS are briefly introduced, and afterward, the basic principle of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water splitting is discussed. Subsequently, the performance and status of bare CZTS, the combination of CZTS and co‐catalysts, and CZTS‐based heterojunction photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution are reviewed and discussed in detail. Finally, the issues and challenges currently encountered in the application of CZTS and their possible solutions for developing advanced CZTS photocatalysts are provided.