Synthesis of Ni2P/Zn3In2S6 hierarchical heterostructure for improving photocatalytic H2 evolution

2D-3D noble-metal-free Ni 2 P/Zn 3 In 2 S 6 hierarchical composites were fabricated firstly by the hydrothermal method and characterized by the relative techniques. The average H 2 evolution rate over the optimized Ni 2 P/Zn 3 In 2 S 6 under simulated sunlight can reach up to 6.4 mmol g −1  h −1 , which is about 3.4 and 2.6 times higher than that of pure Zn 3 In 2 S 6 and Pt/Zn 3 In 2 S 6 hybrid. The excellent photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the interaction between the well-dispersed ultrafine Ni 2 P cocatalyst and the 2D-3D Zn 3 In 2 S 6 hierarchical structure, which contributes to the separation and transportation of the photoinduced charge carriers.