0D/2D CeO2/ZnIn2S4 Z-scheme heterojunction for visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 evolution

The electronic transmission mode can effectively influence the photogenerated electron-hole separation efficiency, which further influence the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. Herein, we synthesized a CeO2/ZnIn2S4 composite photocatalyst having a 0D/2D heterojunction by facile solvothermal and room temperature precipitation methods. The successful construction of the heterojunction was demonstrated by XRD and XPS. Meanwhile, the interesting findings shows that the 0D “chess” CeO2 compounded on the 2D “checkerboard” ZnIn2S4 in SEM and TEM. The ESR test of O2− and OH demonstrates the photocatalytic mechanism of Z-scheme electron transport in the catalyst. The highest hydrogen production rate of the catalyst reaches 847.42 μmol·g−1·h−1. This work provides a simple and effective strategy to achieve a rationally design photocatalyst for efficient, stable and cost-effective solar hydrogen production applications.