ZnIn2S4 combined with a flower-like NiAl-layered double hydroxide with enhanced photocatalytic H2 production activity

Abstract

A novel ZnIn₂S₄/NiAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH)/Pt heterojunction was developed as a highly efficient photocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) under UV-vis and visible (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. ZIS was decorated with NiAl-LDH microflowers using an oil bath at 80 °C, followed by modification through Pt photodeposition. Our results demonstrated that using an in situ growth method for decorating ZIS with NiAl-LDH considerably enhanced PHE reactions. The effect of Pt photodeposition on the ZnIn₂S₄/NiAl-LDH heterojunction composites in photocatalytic hydrogen generation under irradiation was also studied. The introduction of an optimal amount of 0.17 wt% Pt on the surface of ZIS/NiAl25 increased the H₂ production rate by approximately 6.5 times compared with bare ZIS under visible light irradiation. Hydrogen production was elevated from 171 to 1665 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under UV-vis light for ZIS and ZIS/NiAl/1.95Pt, representing a 9.6-fold increase. Additionally, a proposed mechanism for PHE over the ZnIn₂S₄/NiAl-LDH/Pt heterojunction was explored. This work contributes to the development of advanced nanoscale materials for energy sustainability, demonstrating their role in addressing global energy challenges through clean and efficient hydrogen evolution processes under visible and UV-vis light irradiation.