Constructing CdIn2S4/ZnS type-I band alignment heterojunctions by decorating CdIn2S4 on ZnS microspheres for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution

In this study, a series of promising binary hybrid heterojunction CdIn 2 S 4 /ZnS (CIS/ZnS) were constructed via a facile hydrothermal method. Credible characterization methods including powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) were carried out to investigate the physicochemical properties the as-obtained photocatalysts. Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen evolution was performed to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst. The results indicate that the light-harvesting ability could be markedly enhanced by decorating CdIn 2 S 4 on ZnS microspheres. Compared with the pristine CdIn 2 S 4 and ZnS, the hybrid photocatalysts present more efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. Among composite photocatalysts, the 5% CIS/ZnS sample manifests the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 10.80 mmol g −1 h −1 , which is 2.6 and 5.4 times higher than that of ZnS and CdIn 2 S 4 , respectively. Moreover, a type-I band alignment mechanism was prudently put forward to interpret the photocatalytic hydrogen generation activity. The boosted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activities of CIS/ZnS can be attributed to the enhanced light-harvesting ability, efficient separation and transfer of the photo-induced charge carriers, and inhibition of electrons and holes recombination of binary hybrid CIS/ZnS photocatalysts. • CdIn 2 S 4 /ZnS (CIS/ZnS) heterojunction were constructed via a facile hydrothermal method. • The 5% CIS/ZnS sample manifests the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 10,799 μmol g −1 h −1 . • A type-I band alignment mechanism was proposed to interpret the photocatalytic hydrogen generation performance.