The construction of three-dimensional CdIn2S4/MoS2 composite materials for efficient hydrogen production

Abstract In this study, CdIn2S4/MoS2 composite structure was prepared by a simple two-step hydrothermal synthesis method, and the CdIn2S4/MoS2 composite structure samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis). Due to the effective loading of MoS2 on the surface of CdIn2S4 particles, the photocatalytic performance of CdIn2S4/MoS2 composite material is significantly improved under visible light irradiation (λ = 420 nm), which indicating the effective inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron holes. Meanwhile, the visible light response of CdIn2S4 is increased and the life of photoexcitation carrier is prolonged. The CdIn2S4/MoS2 (sample 2CM) composite sample with mole content of 9% has the highest catalytic hydrogen production activity, and its hydrogen production rate is 293 μmol h−1 g−1, which is more than 3 times that of sample C. After 4 cycles of photocatalytic experiments, the photocatalytic activity is still stable, and the XRD diffraction peak does not appear obvious shift, which provides a new way for the design and preparation of efficient and stable photocatalytic materials.