One-pot synthesis of carbon coated Cu-doped ZnIn2S4 core–shell structure for boosted photocatalytic H2-evolution.

[Display omitted] • Carbon coated Cu doped ZnIn 2 S 4 (Cu-ZIS@C) nanocomposites were fabricated by one-pot hydrothermal method. • The core–shell Cu-ZIS@C nanostructure possessed excellent performance in photocatalytic H 2 -evolution reaction. • The roles that carbon layer and Cu doped sites played during H 2 generation were discussed. Carbon-coated Cu doped ZnIn 2 S 4 nanostructure (Cu-ZIS@C) was synthesized through one-pot hydrothermal method. The obtained core–shell Cu-ZIS@C exhibit outstanding enhanced performance toward photocatalytic H 2 -evolution reaction. The optimized doping amount and coating could displayed a H 2 generation rate of 1455.98 μmol·g−1·h−1. The doped Cu sites could facilitate the separation of photo-generated charge carriers. Besides, the carbon layer would contribute to the improved conductivity of whole photocatalytic system and adjust the mobility of charge transfer in bulk structure. We hope this paper could offer a reference for the fabrication of core–shell nanostructure for efficient H 2 -evolution reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]