One-pot synthesis of carbon coated Cu-doped ZnIn2S4 core–shell structure for boosted photocatalytic H2-evolution

Carbon-coated Cu doped ZnIn2S4 nanostructure (Cu-ZIS@C) was synthesized through one-pot hydrothermal method. The obtained core–shell Cu-ZIS@C exhibit outstanding enhanced performance toward photocatalytic H2-evolution reaction. The optimized doping amount and coating could displayed a H2 generation rate of 1455.98 μmol·g−1·h−1. The doped Cu sites could facilitate the separation of photo-generated charge carriers. Besides, the carbon layer would contribute to the improved conductivity of whole photocatalytic system and adjust the mobility of charge transfer in bulk structure. We hope this paper could offer a reference for the fabrication of core–shell nanostructure for efficient H2-evolution reaction.