In situ anchoring of Ni12P5 on ZnIn2S4 for efficient and stable photocatalytic H 2 evolution

It is a great challenge to develop efficient, stable and inexpensive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts for photocatalytic water-splitting. In this paper, Ni12P5 (NP) was in situ anchored on the surface of ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) via a solvothermal route with nickel chloride and red phosphorus as ingredients. Using triethanolamine as sacrificial agent, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of NP/ZIS was studied under visible light irradiation. At the same time, the composition, structure, morphology and photoelectrochemical properties of the as-obtained samples were analyzed through a sequence of characterization techniques. ZIS loaded with 6 wt% NP (6NP/ ZIS) exhibits the best hydrogen evolution activity and excellent stability. The H2 evolution rate of 6NP/ZIS is 5.4 times higher than that of pristine ZIS and well beyond that of the physical mixture (6NP + ZIS) or even that of the optimal Pt/ZIS under the same conditions. The maximal apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 22.7 % at 400 nm is achieved, superior to the most reported performance of ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts for HER. The anchor of NP can not only enhance the visible light absorption intensity, but also reduce the HER overpotential. More importantly, the intimate interface between ZIS and NP can promote the separation and migration of photoexcited carriers, thereby enhancing the activity of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism was discussed.