Surface modulation of MoS2/O-ZnIn2S4 to boost photocatalytic H2 evolution

To realize the continuous production of hydrogen energy, the efficient photocatalysts are required in the heterogeneous reaction for water splitting. Herein, we reported a surface modulation strategy, via doping oxygen atoms to tune the surface state of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets with cocatalyst MoS2 modification, to enhance water adsorption and surface catalytic reaction for boosting the photocatalytic activity. Consequently, MoS2/O-ZnIn2S4 photocatalysts showed a remarkably superior photocatalytic H2 production performance of 4.002 mmol g−1 h−1 and an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of ∼2.53%, 5.4 folds higher than ZnIn2S4. Using operando infrared spectroscopy and DFT calculation, we revealed the dynamic structural evolution, as well as the active sites for water adsorption and the catalytic reaction at the MoS2/O-ZnIn2S4 interface. This work reveals the effect of surface modulation on the photocatalytic activity for MoS2/O-ZnIn2S4 and offers a feasible method to devise excellent nanomaterial photocatalysts for H2 production.