Supporting Ultrathin ZnIn2S4 Nanosheets on Co/N‐Doped Graphitic Carbon Nanocages for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Generation

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) Vol. 31; no. 41
• Main Authors: Wang, Sibo, Wang, Yan, Zhang, Song Lin, Zang, Shuang‐Quan, Lou, Xiong Wen (David)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.10.2019
• Subjects: Carbon; Heterostructures; hollow structures; hydrogen evolution; Hydrogen production; Nanoparticles; Nanosheets; N‐doped carbon; Photocatalysis; Substructures; ZnIn2S4
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201903404
• ISSN: 0935-9648

Ultrathin ZnIn2S4 nanosheets (NSs) are grown on Co/N‐doped graphitic carbon (NGC) nanocages, composed of Co nanoparticles surrounded by few‐layered NGC, to obtain hierarchical Co/NGC@ZnIn2S4 hollow heterostructures for photocatalytic H2 generation with visible light. The photoredox functions of discrete Co, conductive NGC, and ZnIn2S4 NSs are precisely combined into hierarchical composite cages possessing strongly hybridized shell and ultrathin layered substructures. Such structural and compositional virtues can expedite charge separation and mobility, offer large surface area and abundant reactive sites for water photosplitting. The Co/NGC@ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst exhibits outstanding H2 evolution activity (e.g., 11270 µmol h−1 g−1) and high stability without engaging any cocatalyst. Hierarchical Co/N‐doped graphitic carbon (NGC)@ ZnIn2S4 heterostructured cages are fabricated by supporting ultrathin ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on Co/NGC nanocages. This delicate design can facilitate charge separation and transport as well as provide large surface area and rich active sites for water photosplitting reactions. Outstanding activity and high stability for H2 evolution under visible light are achieved without the assistance of any cocatalysts.