Significantly Raised Visible‐Light Photocatalytic H2 Evolution on a 2D/2D ReS2/In2ZnS4 van der Waals Heterostructure

Abstract Owing to dwindling fossil fuels reserves, the development of alternative renewable energy sources is globally important. Photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution represents a practical and affordable alternative to convert sunlight into carbon‐free H2 fuel. Recently, 2D/2D van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) have attracted significant research attention for photocatalysis. Here, for the first time a ReS2/In2ZnS4 2D/2D vdWH synthesized via a facile physical mixing is reported. It exhibits a highly promoted photocatalytic H2‐evolution rate of 2515 µmol h−1 g−1. Importantly, this exceeds that for pristine In2ZnS4 by about 22.66 times. This, therefore, makes ReS2/In2ZnS4 one of the most efficient In2ZnS4‐based photocatalysts without noble‐metal cocatalysts. Advanced characterizations and theoretical computations results show that interlayer electronic interaction within ReS2/In2ZnS4 vdWH and atomic‐level S active centers along the edges of ReS2 NSs work collaboratively to result in the boosted light‐induced H2 evolution. Results will be of immediate benefit in the rational design and preparation of vdWHs for applications in catalysis/(opto)electronics.