Construction of CdIn2S4/ZnSn(OH)6 heterojunctions for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation.

CdIn 2 S 4 nanosheets ornamented ZnSn(OH) 6 microsquares (CIS/ZSOH) heterostructures were devised and fabricated using an easy hydrothermal procedure. The specimens were characterized exhaustively using diverse technologies and used to produce hydrogen. Compared with CdIn 2 S 4 and ZnSn(OH) 6 , CIS/ZSOH heterostructures presented remarkably superior photocatalytic activities. In addition, CIS/ZSOH-35% exhibited the optimized hydrogen production amount of 4 mmol g−1. Also, the reusable constancy of CIS/ZSOH-35% was very prominent. From relevant characterization results, CIS/ZSOH-35% possessed bigger specific surface area, stronger light-absorption ability and higher charge separation efficiency, which would benefit to improve the photocatalytic performance. Ultimately, the formation of type II heterojunction by CdIn 2 S 4 and ZnSn(OH) 6 was confirmed by the band structure and UPS analyses. The study might administer a charming approach to modify the broad band gap photocatalysts. [Display omitted] • Novel CdIn 2 S 4 /ZnSn(OH) 6 (CIS/ZSOH) heterostructures were fabricated using an easy hydrothermal approach. • The highest hydrogen production amount of 4 mmol g−1 was achieved over CIS/ZSOH-35%. • A type-II band alignment mechanism was suggested to explicate the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]