Synthesis of In2O3–In2S3 core–shell nanorods with inverted type-I structure for photocatalytic H2 generation

Abstract

In₂O₃–In₂S₃ core–shell nanostructures were prepared via a simple hydrothermal process at low temperatures. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) shows that the In₂O₃–In₂S₃ nanorod is an inverted type I nanostructure. The energy potential in this structure would drive both the photo-generated holes and electrons towards the shell to facilitate photocatalytic H₂ generation. Such inverted type-I nanostructure is firstly used for hydrogen generation. Comparing with reported indium-based photocatalysts upon UV-Vis illumination, the core–shell In₂O₃–In₂S₃ nanostructure obtained here exhibits a good H₂ evolution rate of 61.4 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹.