Synthesis of ZnIn(2)S(4)@Co(3)S(4) particles derived from ZIF-67 for photocatalytic hydrogen production

In this work, ZIF-67 derivative Co(3)S(4) with diamond dodecahedron structure was firstly synthesized via a series of reactions, and ZnIn(2)S(4)@Co(3)S(4) heterostructures with adjustable band gaps were successfully obtained through a simple hydrothermal method. Consequently, ZnIn(2)S(4)@Co(3)S(4) heterostructures have significantly enhanced visible light absorption and improved photocatalytic efficiency, among which the ZC-5 composite exhibits the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate up to 4261 μmol g(−1) h(−1) under simulated sunlight, to be approximately 4.8 times higher than that of pure ZnIn(2)S(4). The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to faster electron transfer and more efficient electron–hole pairs separation derived from the heterostructures which form at the interface between Co(3)S(4) and ZnIn(2)S(4). Thus, this study provides a good strategy for photocatalytic hydrogen production without precious metals using heterostructures.