Rational Photodeposition of Cobalt Phosphate on Flower-like ZnIn 2 S 4 for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

The high electrons and holes recombination rate of ZnIn 2 S 4 significantly limits its photocatalytic performance. Herein, a simple in situ photodeposition strategy is adopted to introduce the cocatalyst cobalt phosphate (Co-Pi) on ZnIn 2 S 4 , aiming at facilitating the separation of electron-hole by promoting the transfer of photogenerated holes of ZnIn 2 S 4 . The study reveals that the composite catalyst has superior photocatalytic performance than blank ZnIn 2 S 4 . In particular, ZnIn 2 S 4 loaded with 5% Co-Pi (ZnIn 2 S 4 /5%Co-Pi) has the best photocatalytic activity, and the H 2 production rate reaches 3593 μmol·g -1 ·h -1 , approximately double that of ZnIn 2 S 4 alone. Subsequent characterization data demonstrate that the introduction of the cocatalyst Co-Pi facilitates the transfer of ZnIn 2 S 4 holes, thus improving the efficiency of photogenerated carrier separation. This investigation focuses on the rational utilization of high-content and rich cocatalysts on earth to design low-cost and efficient composite catalysts to achieve sustainable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.