Optimization of electron distribution by sulfidation: constructing a 1D S-Co3O4/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction for efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution catalysis

Abstract

Developing an efficient visible-light-responsive catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is essential for addressing energy scarcity and environmental pollution. In this study, one-dimensional Co₃O₄ (CO) nanoparticles were synthesized via electrospinning and subsequently sulfurized using a low-temperature solvothermal method. These sulfurized one-dimensional CO nanoparticles were then combined with two-dimensional sheet-like ZnIn₂S₄ (ZIS) to form a p–n heterojunction composite semiconductor photocatalyst (SCO/ZIS). The one-dimensional CO nanoparticles obtained through electrospinning significantly enhance the catalytic activity and efficiency, while sulfurization further improves their electronic structure and surface properties. The built-in electric field at the p–n heterojunction interface between n-type ZIS and p-type SCO effectively inhibits the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs while facilitating electron transfer. Additionally, the incorporation of one-dimensional SCO into sheet-like ZIS prevents ZIS stacking, improving sunlight utilization and substantially enhancing photocatalytic HER performance. Our results demonstrate that SCO/ZIS achieves a superior HER rate of 4300.3 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under visible light, which is 7.45 times higher than that of pristine ZIS, while also exhibiting excellent photocatalytic stability.