Significantly raised visible-light photocatalytic H₂ evolution on a 2D/2D ReS₂/In₂ZnS₄ van der Waals heterostructure

Abstract

Owing to dwindling fossil fuels reserves, the development of alternative renewable energy sources is globally important. Photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂) evolution represents a practical and affordable alternative to convert sunlight into carbon-free H₂ fuel. Recently, 2D/2D van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) have attracted significant research attention for photocatalysis. Here, for the first time a ReS₂/In₂ZnS₄ 2D/2D vdWH synthesized via a facile physical mixing is reported. It exhibits a highly promoted photocatalytic H₂ -evolution rate of 2515 µmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹. Importantly, this exceeds that for pristine In₂ZnS₄ by about 22.66 times. This, therefore, makes ReS₂/In₂ZnS₄ one of the most efficient In₂ZnS₄ -based photocatalysts without noble-metal cocatalysts. Advanced characterizations and theoretical computations results show that interlayer electronic interaction within ReS₂/In₂ZnS₄ vdWH and atomic-level S active centers along the edges of ReS₂ NSs work collaboratively to result in the boosted light-induced H₂ evolution. Results will be of immediate benefit in the rational design and preparation of vdWHs for applications in catalysis/(opto)electronics.