3D hierarchical ZnIn2S4: The preparation and photocatalytic properties on water splitting

Hexagonal ZnIn2S4 photocatalysts with 3D-hierarchical persimmon-like shape have been successfully synthesized via an oleylamine (OA)-assisted solvothermal method. Hydrogen evolution experiments revealed that the obtained hierarchical ZnIn2S4 possessed good photocatalytic activity, e.g. hydrogen production rate reached to 220.45 μmol h−1 and the quantum yield was up to 13.16% when 3% Pt was loaded. Further delicate tuning the percentage of exposed facet of the obtained ZnIn2S4 crystals, it was found that the increase of {006} facets, terminated by metal ions, would improve their photocatalytic activity, and the relationship between the crystal structure and photocatalytic properties had been studied.

► Persimmon-like ZnIn2S4 microspheres were prepared using an oleylamine-assisted solvothermal method.
► The obtained hierarchical ZnIn2S4 shows great photocatalytic activity.
► ZnIn2S4 samples with different facets exposed were prepared by controlling the reaction time.
► The increase of {006} facets would improve photocatalytic activity of ZnIn2S4.