Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity over MoS2/ZnIn2S4 microspheres

MoS2/ZnIn2S4 composites with MoS2 anchored on the surface of ZnIn2S4 microspheres were synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal process. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance absorption spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical tests. The influence of the loading of MoS2 on the photocatalytic H2 evolution activity was investigated using lactic acid as a sacrificial reagent. A H2 evolution rate of 343 μmol/h was achieved under visible light irradiation over the 1 wt% MoS2/ZnIn2S4 composite, corresponding to an apparent quantum efficiency of about 3.85% at 420 nm monochromatic light. The marked improvement of the photocatalytic H2 evolution activity compared with ZnIn2S4 can be ascribed to efficient transfer and separation of photogenerated charge carriers and facilitation of the photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction at the MoS2 active sites.