A 3D interwoven Pt@CNTs network embedded in ZnIn2S4 microspheres for Schottky-driven photothermal hydrogen evolution

Photocatalytic hydrogen production holds promise for solar energy conversion but is limited by inefficient charge separation and sluggish interfacial kinetics. Here, we construct a Pt@carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) heterostructure, where Pt-decorated CNTs intertwine and embed within ZIS microspheres. The CNTs not only guide ZIS nucleation but also serve as conductive channels and spatial confinement scaffolds, forming a well-integrated architecture for efficient carrier transport. This heterostructure operates via a thermo-electronic channel engineering strategy, integrating dual photothermal activation (arising from CNTs lattice vibrations and Pt plasmonic effects) with Schottky junction modulation. The resulting localized heating, in concert with the built-in electric field, synergistically enhances charge separation, facilitates hot electron generation, and accelerates interfacial reaction kinetics. The hierarchical architecture enables a three-dimensional hot-carrier migration pathway, efficiently directing electrons from the interior of ZIS to Pt active sites through CNTs. Consequently, the heterostructure achieves a hydrogen evolution rate of 51.4 mmol g −1  h −1 , 103 times higher than pristine ZIS. This work thus presents a multifunctional design paradigm that integrates efficient light harvesting, interfacial charge regulation, and thermal enhancement, providing a viable route toward highly efficient solar-driven hydrogen production.