Rational construction of ZnIn2S4/Co3Se4 with boosted photocatalytic hydrogen production through cooperate with S-scheme heterojunction and photothermal effect

The rational design of excellent visible light photocatalysts that efficiently utilize the solar spectrum is urgently needed. In this work, ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) and Co 3 Se 4 (CS) were coupled by a multistep process involving simple ultrasonic self-assembly and calcination to form ZnIn 2 S 4 /Co 3 Se 4 (ZIS/CS) photocatalysts with synergistic S-scheme heterojunctions and photothermal effects, which realized efficient photocatalytic hydrogen (H 2 ) production with optimal H 2 yield of 2.46 mmol h −1 g −1 , superior to pure ZIS (0.47 mmol h −1 g −1 ) by a factor of 5.23. The excellent cyclic stability and wide environmental adaptability to the ionic environment of water of ZIS/CS were proved. The positive impaction of photothermal effect on the H 2 yield of ZIS/CS was investigated and confirmed by the temperature change of photocatalysts powder or photocatalytic system under light irradiation. In addition, based on a series of characterization analyses and first-principle simulation calculations, a charge transfer pathway for ZIS/CS S-scheme heterojunctions was proposed. This work provides valuable ideas and feasible research methods for the design of stable and practical photocatalysts.