Boosting the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance by fabricating the NiO/Zn3In2S6 p-n heterojunction

Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen evolution is viewed as a promising strategy to address the energy and environmental issues. In this study, a series of NiO/Zn3In2S6 (NiO/ZIS6) p-n heterojunction photocatalysts have been prepared by the facile ultrasonic assisted deposition method. The as-obtained samples were systematically characterized employing various testing techniques. The photocatalytic performance of the p-n photocatalysts were evaluated by photocatalytic hydrogen production and the effect of different mass ratios of NiO to ZIS6 on photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance was also explored. The results indicated that the 25% NiO/ZIS6 sample demonstrates optimal photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity with a hydrogen evoluton rate of 21.79 mmol g−1h−1, which is 7.65 times higher than that of ZIS6. The mechanism exploration proves that the formation of NiO/ZIS6 p-n heterojunction effectively promotes the separation and migration of photoinduced electrons and holes. Meanwhile, the recombination of charge carriers was restrained observably. This work may shed light on the design and preparation of novel p-n heterojunction photocatalysts with efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance and high stability.