Hierarchical Sheet-on-Sheet ZnIn(2)S(4)/g-C(3)N(4) Heterostructure with Highly Efficient Photocatalytic H(2) production Based on Photoinduced Interfacial Charge Transfer

We have realized in-situ growth of ultrathin ZnIn(2)S(4) nanosheets on the sheet-like g-C(3)N(4) surfaces to construct a “sheet-on-sheet” hierarchical heterostructure. The as-synthesized ZnIn(2)S(4)/g-C(3)N(4) heterojunction nanosheets exhibit remarkably enhancement on the photocatalytic activity for H(2) production. This enhanced photoactivity is mainly attributed to the efficient interfacial transfer of photoinduced electrons and holes from g-C(3)N(4) to ZnIn(2)S(4) nanosheets, resulting in the decreased charge recombination on g-C(3)N(4) nanosheets and the increased amount of photoinduced charge carriers in ZnIn(2)S(4) nanosheets. Meanwhile, the increased surface-active-sites and extended light absorption of g-C(3)N(4) nanosheets after the decoration of ZnIn(2)S(4) nanosheets may also play a certain role for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. Further investigations by the surface photovoltage spectroscopy and transient photoluminescence spectroscopy demonstrate that ZnIn(2)S(4)/g-C(3)N(4) heterojunction nanosheets considerable boost the charge transfer efficiency, therefore improve the probability of photoinduced charge carriers to reach the photocatalysts surfaces for highly efficient H(2) production.