Recent advances in quaternary copper-based sulfides and their derivatives for solar hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Quaternary copper-based sulfides (QCSs) exhibit significant potential for solar hydrogen evolution due to their diverse compositions and structures, suitable band structure, controllable synthesis, and non-toxic nature. Strengthening cognition for nanostructures enables the fabrication of high-efficiency photocatalysts. Although a comprehensive understanding of photocatalytic processes of QCS-based photocatalysts has been recently accumulated, the correlation between structure and function remains incompletely elucidated. This overview begins with an introduction to the fundamental principles of solar hydrogen evolution. Subsequently, we provide a succinct description of the controllable synthesis of QCS-based photocatalysts. The structure–function correlation of single QCSs is systematically discussed by exploring how structure-related properties influence photocatalytic processes. Recent advancements based on single QCSs are described in detail. As a guide, we further discuss the structure–function correlation of QCS-based derivatives including semiconductor heterojunctions, cocatalyst loading, heteroatom doping, and polytypic homojunctions. Different mechanisms of activity enhancement are provided along with a summary of their research progress in solar hydrogen evolution. In conclusion, challenges and prospects for materials synthesis and energy conversion are proposed. We anticipate that this overview will offer valuable insights for future exploration of QCS-based photocatalysts, greatly advancing the progress in this emerging research field.