AgIn5S8 nanoparticles anchored on 2D layered ZnIn2S4 to form 0D/2D heterojunction for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Constructing a 0D/2D heterojunction is an important way to ameliorate the charge separation for achieving efficient solar hydrogen production. In this study, zero-dimensional (0D) AgIn5S8 nanoparticles/two-dimensional (2D) layered ZnIn2S4 0D/2D heterojunction composite was designed and prepared via a facile two-step hydrothermal process. Anchoring the AgIn5S8 nanoparticles on the 2D layered ZnIn2S4 can shorten the charge-migration distance, provide abundant active sites and extend the visible-light absorption. Benefiting from those favorable properties, the AgIn5S8/ZnIn2S4 0D/2D heterojunction composite exhibits the highest H2 evolution rate of 949.9 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation (λ > 420) when the weight ratio of AgIn5S8 to ZnIn2S4 is 30%, which is about 3.6 and 17.6 times higher than pure ZnIn2S4 and AgIn5S8, respectively. Photoluminescence (PL) and photocurrent response results indicate that the improved charge separation efficiency is a critical reason for the enhanced H2 evolution activity. This study suggests that constructing a 0D/2D heterojunction can provide an efficient way to improve the photocatalytic performance of semiconductor photocatalysts for solar hydrogen production.