Ultrathin 2D Alloyed Cu−Ga−Zn−S Curved Nanobelts for Boosting Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

Abstract2D semiconductor nanomaterials have received significant attention as photocatalysts for solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion due to their robust light absorption capacity, large specific surface area, and superior electron transport characteristics. Nevertheless, it is challenging to develop 2D quaternary copper‐based sulfides (QCSs) with functional integration of conducive structural features for photocatalysis from multiple elements and intricate control conditions. Herein, ultrathin 2D alloyed Cu−Ga−Zn−S (CGZS) curved nanobelts (NBs) are fabricated by using a facile one‐pot colloidal method. Subsequently, the derived Cu31S16‐CGZS Janus heterostructures are designed by increasing Cu concentrations. The formation mechanism of 2D curved alloys and Janus heterostructures is systematically investigated. Without cocatalysts, curved alloyed CGZS NBs demonstrated superior photocatalytic activities of 1264.2 µmol g−1 h−1 compared to Janus heterostructured Cu31S16−CGZS (463.1 µmol g−1 h−1) under visible light (> 400 nm). Experimental and theoretical results unveiled that the improved photocatalytic activities of curved CGZS NBs can be attributed to enhanced charge–carrier separation efficiency resulting from high crystallinity and ultrathin 2D structure, abundant active sites from curved structure, high‐active (0001) crystal facet with the lowest reaction Gibbs energy, work function, and metal‐like properties. This work offers new insights into functional integration into ultrathin 2D QCSs with enhanced visible‐light photocatalytic performance.