Semimetal 1T′ phase molybdenum sulfide decorated on zinc indium sulfide with S-scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Heterojunction engineering is an effective strategy to improve photocatalytic performance. Two-dimensional (2D)/2D semimetal 1T′ phase molybdenum sulfide/zinc indium sulfide (1T′-MoS 2 /ZnIn 2 S 4 ) S-scheme heterojunctions with tight and stable interfaces were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal synthesis method. Under the optimal 1T′-MoS 2 loading ratio (5 wt%), the hydrogen production rate of 1T′-MoS 2 /ZnIn 2 S 4 composites reaches 11.42 mmol h −1 g −1 , which is 3.1 and 1.4 times higher than that of pure ZnIn 2 S 4 (2.9 mmol h −1 g −1 ) and ZnIn 2 S 4 /Pt (8.01 mmol h −1 g −1 ), and the apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) reaches 53.17 % (λ = 370 nm). Semimetal 1T′ phase MoS 2 on ZnIn 2 S 4 broadens the light absorption range, enhances the light absorption ability, promotes electron transfer, and offers abundant active sites. The establishment of S-scheme heterojunctions achieves the spatial separation of photogenerated charges and increases the reduction potential. This work provides insights for the design of novel photocatalysts.