Nano composite of CuInS2/ZnO with improved photocatalytic activity of degradation and hydrogen production

Here, a novel CuInS2/ZnO (CIS-ZO) composite was fabricated by in-situ reflux combining with hot injection method for efficient photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB, an organic dye) and hydrogen production under the irradiation of 300W Xe-lamp. The 5% CIS-ZO composite showed strongest photocatalytic activity of RhB degradation and hydrogen production. Capture and detection experiments of active species not only showed that ·O2− and h+ played major role in degradation process of RhB, but also further demonstrated the rationality of type-II transfer mechanism of photogenerated carriers in CIS-ZO composites. Analysis of UV–vis DRS and photoelectrochemical tests of catalysts showed that the enhancement of photocatalytic performance was duo to the improvement of optical absorption capacity as well as the increase of separation efficiency and migration rate of photogenerated carriers. The 5% CIS-ZO composite showed great reusability in the cycle experiment. This work exhibited an eco-friendly strategy to deal with wastewater and produce hydrogen more efficiently.