S-scheme photocatalysis induced by hollow Ni-Mo₂C@ZnIn₂S₄ with interfacial chemical bond for efficient hydrogen...

The construction of heterojunction photocatalysts with unique morphology plays a prominent role in broadening light absorption and accelerating carrier separation during the photocatalytic process. Herein, an S-scheme Ni nanoparticles hybridized Mo₂C@ZnIn₂S₄ heterojunction (Ni-Mo₂C@ZnIn₂S₄) with cladding the ZnIn₂S₄ nanosheets on the hollow Ni-Mo₂C nanospheres was prepared for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The hollow spherical Ni-Mo₂C with the hybridization of Ni nanoparticles further enhances the electric conductivity of Mo₂C, optimizes the light absorption range of ZnIn₂S₄, and accelerates carrier separation through Mo-S bonding as an electron transport bridge. Simultaneously, the interfacial charge transfer of the S-scheme mechanism achieves the locational separation of carriers. The optimized Ni-Mo₂C@ZnIn₂S₄ generates a remarkable H₂ production of 1901.01 μmol g^-1 h^-1. Additionally, the high apparent quantum efficiency at 420 nm (9.72%) is achieved. This study provides an innovative insight to construct a heterojunction with tight interfacial contact on the basis of particular morphology.