Ultrathin Nickel‐doped ZnIn₂S₄ Nanosheets with Sulfur Vacancies for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

Introducing vacancies and element doping are effective approaches to boost photocatalytic activities of metal sulfides. In this work, sulfur vacancies and nickel dopants were simultaneously introduced into ultrathin ZnIn2S4 nanosheets (ZIS NSs) to explore their synergistic role in promoting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The S vacancies can trap the photo‐generated electrons, lower the conduction band minimum (CBM), improve the photo‐generated charge reduction capacity and prolong the carrier lifetime. Meanwhile, Ni dopants cause an increase in the Fermi level (EF), which ensures a higher charge density and an effective carrier separation efficiency. The optimum hydrogen evolution rate of sample Ni0.05−VS−ZIS reaches 8.91 mmol g−1 h−1 under visible light due to the synergistic effect of the S vacancies and Ni dopants.

Hierarchical CuS@ZnIn2S4 Hollow Double-Shelled p–n Heterojunction Octahedra Decorated with Fullerene C60 for Remarkable Selectivity and Activity of CO2 Photoreduction into CH4

“…Sulfur vacancies are desirable active sites for photocatalysis, which can capture electrons to promote charge separation and benefit the affinity of CO 2 molecules, thus contributing to the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. 71,72 Similar to other carbon materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, fullerene C 60 is conducive to the CO 2 adsorption and activation to form intermediates. 73 The measurements of CO 2 -adsorption behaviors support the above assertions.…”

Dual-defect semiconductor photocatalysts for solar-to-chemical conversion: advances and challenges

“…Previous studies suggest that introducing two kinds of different defects into semiconductors can significantly improve the efficiency of photocatalytic H 2 production from various aspects, depending on the specific defect schemes. [125][126][127] The photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity of the previously reported dual-defect semiconductors is listed in Table 1.…”

CdS/ZnIn2S4 type II heterojunctions improve photocatalytic hydrogen production: faster electron–hole separation and wider visible light utilization

“…Since the 21st century, with the continuous development of society, energy crisis and environmental protection issues have been highlighted. [1][2][3][4] Humankind urgently needs to nd a new clean energy source to cope with the crisis. Hydrogen has received wide attention because of its simple source, clean and environmental protection.…”