Steering charge flow in hierarchical ZnIn2S4/TiO2/Ti3C2 heterojunction for noble-metal-free photocatalytic hydrogen production.

The construction of effective photogenerated charge transfer channels through interface engineering is the key to achieving the highly efficient of photocatalysts. Herein, sandwich-like ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets integrated type-II heterostructure with Schottky junction are reasonably fabricated by low temperature in-situ growth method. Benefitting from the intensive visible light absorption of ZnIn 2 S 4 , the fast electron transport of TiO 2 , the rich active sites in Ti 3 C 2 , as well as the intimate interface coupling and the matched band alignment among ternary components, enhanced hydrogen production can be achieved with ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 hierarchical photocatalyst under visible light irradiation in the absence of noble metal co-catalysts. The concept of coupling type-II heterostructure with the Schottky barrier can steer the charge flow and boost the charge carrier separation and transfer across the interfacial domain, which may spark new ensemble design for efficient solar energy harvesting and conversion. [Display omitted] • The hierarchical ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 photocatalysts were successfully constructed. • The enhanced hydrogen production was achieved under visible light irradiation. • The type-II heterostructure coupling with Schottky barrier can steer the charge flow. • The enhanced visible-light capture capability and more active sites promoted PHE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]