Metal-organic framework-templated ZnIn2S4 nanomaterials for high-performance photocatalytic H2‐evolution.

ZIF-8-templated ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) crystals with different morphologies have been synthesized solvothermally by varying the organic solvents, while thioacetamide (TAA) and L-cysteine (L‐cyst) were used as sulfur precursors. It is found that solvothermal properties, including ions coordination, dielectric constant, and atomic chain length, influence the nucleation and growth of ZIS composites. The differences in morphology and composition of the prepared ZIS crystals strongly affect their photophysical properties and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (PHER). The hydrogen evolution rates for ZIS composites decrease in the following order: Leaf‐like (EG, TAA) > nanorods (EtOH, TAA) > nanoflowers (EG, L‐cyst) > nanosheets (Gly, TAA) > irregular particles (EDA, TAA) > plate‐like (DETA, TAA). The leaf‐like ZIS‐EG composite prepared using TAA as a sulfur precursor and ethylene glycol (EG) as a solvent shows an excellent PHER performance of 5208 μmol g−1 h−1 (44.91 μmol) with an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 4.80% at 420 nm. The ZIS‐EG composites with different ZIF‐8 contents (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg) were also investigated for the PHER activity with mixed Na 2 S/Na 2 SO 3 sacrificial agent at λ ≥ 420 nm. It shows that the nature of solvents and sulfur precursors had a significant influence on the morphology, photoabsorption, electrochemical properties, and PHER performance of ZIF‐8‐templated ZIS composites, which complements the knowledge of designing efficient and perspective photocatalysts with enhanced visible‐light‐driven PHER performance. [Display omitted] • Novel morphology-dependent MOF-templated ZIS composites were prepared using a solvothermal approach. • Solvents and sulfur precursors influencing morphology and photocatalytic H 2 -evolution of ZIS composites. • The highest photocatalytic H 2 -evolution was observed for ZIS-EG composite with leaf-like morphology. • The ZIS-EG composite showed long-term cyclic stability and recyclability. • The charge transfer mechanism for enhanced photocatalytic H 2 evolution was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]