Construction of ZnIn2S4/Sv-MoS2 photocatalysts with subtle atomic-level intimate contacts: Enhancing interfacial interactions to improve photocatalytic H2 evolution in visible light

Abstract

The low charge separation efficiency between catalyst and cocatalyst severely limits the performance of photocatalysts. The strong interfacial interactions between catalyst and cocatalyst can improve the charge separation efficiency. Introducing interfacial chemical bonds to enhance the interfacial interaction between components is an effective way to improve photocatalytic performance. Herein, ZnIn2S4 (ZIS)/Sv-MoS2 photocatalyst was synthesized. The binding effect between S atoms in ZIS and the uncoordinated Mo atoms in Sv-MoS2 forms the interfacial Mo-S bond which greatly improves the photocatalytic activity of ZIS. The MoS2-xh was prepared by NaBH4 etching for different times. This extraordinary photocatalytic activity is mainly due to the easy transfer of photogenerated electrons from ZIS to MoS2 via the heterojunction interface tightly connected under the action of Mo-S bonds. Photoelectric measurements show that ZIS/MoS2-4h possesses effective charge transfer. This work reveals the effect of the introduction of interfacial chemical bonds on the photocatalytic activity of ZIS/MoS2, and provides a simple and effective method for designing excellent cocatalysts through interface engineering.[Figure not available: see fulltext.]