Effects of indium contents on photocatalytic performance of ZnIn2S4 for hydrogen evolution under visible light

• The photocatalytic property was studied upon visible-light irradiation.
• ZnInxS4+y photocatalysts show superior photocatalytic activity.
• The catalyst of grain size, morphology and BET are related to indium content.
• ZnInxS4+y photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method.

A series of ZnInxS4+y (x=1.6, 2.0, 2.3, 2.6, 2.9, 3.1) photocatalysts were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method and characterized by various analytical techniques, such as XRD, EDS, UV–vis DRS, SEM, TEM, BET and PL. The ZnInxS4+y photocatalysts had a similar crystal structure. With the increase of indium content, the absorption edges of ZnInxS4+y photocatalysts shifted to longer wavelength, their crystal sizes decreased firstly and then increased and the variation of the specific surface area and total pore volume was exactly opposite. Especially, when x=2.3, ZnIn2.3S4+y catalyst had smallest crystal size, largest specific surface area and total pore volume. Additionally, the morphology of ZnInxS4+y greatly depended on the contents of indium. The photocatalytic activity of ZnInxS4+y was evaluated by photocatalytic hydrogen production from water under visible light. The ZnIn2.3S4+y sample had the highest photocatalytic activity among these ZnInxS4+y photocatalysts and its hydrogen production rate was 363 μmol/g h.

First, a series of catalysts were synthesized. And then those were characterized by various analytical techniques (such as SEM). finally, The photocatalytic activity of catalyst was evaluated by photocatalytic hydrogen production from water under visible light.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide