Decorating ZnIn2S4 with earth-abundant Co9S8 and Ni2P dual cocatalysts for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Due to the synergistic effect of the rapid transfer of photo-generated electrons and enrichment of reactive active sites, reasonably assembling dual cocatalysts with semiconductor is considered as an excellent method to enhance the photocatalytic properties of semiconductors. Herein, earth-abundant Co 9 S 8 and Ni 2 P dual cocatalysts modified-ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS/CS/NP) composite photocatalyst has been constructed by the low-temperature solvothermal and in-situ photodeposition methods. A series of characterizations indicate the hollow structure of Co 9 S 8 can reduce the charge transfer distance and enhance the migration of photo-generated electrons, while Ni 2 P acts as an electron collector and provides sufficient active sites for H 2 release in this dual cocatalysts system. Because of the synergistic effect of dual cocatalysts, ZIS/CS/NP composites exhibit superior activity in the photocatalytic H 2 production compared to blank ZIS, ZIS/CS and ZIS/NP. Notably, the optimal photocatalytic H 2 production rate of ZIS/CS/NP reaches 6823.64 μmol g−1 h−1, which is approximately 86 times higher that of blank ZIS. This work is expected to provide useful reference for the construction of high-performance dual-cocatalyst modified semiconductor composite for photocatalytic H 2 evolution. The ZnIn 2 S 4 /Co 9 S 8 /Ni 2 P composite photocatalyst was synthesized through low-temperature solvothermal and in-situ photodeposition methods to achieve efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. In this dual cocatalysts system, the hollow structure of Co 9 S 8 can reduce the charge transfer distance and enhance the migration of photo-generated electrons of ZnIn 2 S 4 , while Ni 2 P acts as an electron collector and provides sufficient active sites for H 2 release. [Display omitted] • ZnIn 2 S 4 /Co 9 S 8 /Ni 2 P ternary composite has been synthesized. • ZnIn 2 S 4 /Co 9 S 8 /Ni 2 P exhibits superior performance in photocatalytic H 2 evolution. • Co 9 S 8 and Ni 2 P dual cocatalysts are rationally utilized. • Dual cocatalysts synergistically enhance transfer of electrons and enrichment of active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]