Constructing an Open-Structured J-Type ZnIn₂S₄/In(OH)₃ Heterojunction for Photocatalytical Hydrogen Generation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photocatalysis
• Heterojunction Engineering

Background:

• Constructing heterojunctions is crucial for separating photogenerated carriers and enhancing photocatalytic efficiency.
• J-type heterojunctions represent an advanced, anisotropic structure for improved photocatalyst performance.
• Type-II heterojunctions, like ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) nanosheets, are effective for carrier separation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the concept of open (O) and closed (C) structures in J-type heterojunctions.
• To investigate the impact of these structures on photocatalytic hydrogen production.
• To explore the relationship between carrier separation, transport, and J-type heterojunction efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized O- and C-structured J-type ZnIn2S4/In(OH)3 (ZIS/IOH) heterojunctions via ammonia post-treatment.
• Utilized anisotropic ZIS nanosheets as a model for type-II heterojunctions.
• Quantified hydrogen production activity of the prepared heterojunctions.

Main Results:

• The O-structured J-type ZIS/IOH (OJ-ZIS/IOH) exhibited significantly enhanced hydrogen production activity (400 μmol·h⁻¹).
• OJ-ZIS/IOH activity was 2.67 times higher than that of pristine ZIS.
• The C-structured J-type ZIS/IOH (CJ-ZIS/IOH) showed activity comparable to pristine ZIS.

Conclusions:

• The structural configuration of J-type heterojunctions critically influences photocatalytic performance.
• Optimizing both carrier separation and transport is essential for efficient J-type heterojunction photocatalysts.
• This study provides valuable insights for designing advanced heterojunction materials for photocatalysis.