Direct Z-scheme ZnIn2S4/LaNiO3 nanohybrid with enhanced photocatalytic performance for H2 evolution

The direct Z-scheme ZnIn2S4/LaNiO3 nanohybrid based on ZnIn2S4 nanosheets and LaNiO3 cubes was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The ZnIn2S4/LaNiO3 nanohybrid showed improved photocatalytic H2 evolution and stability. The photocatalytic H2 evolution activity of ZnIn2S4/LaNiO3 nanohybrid is 3-fold enhanced than that of bare ZnIn2S4. The enhanced performance of ZnIn2S4/LaNiO3 nanohybrid is mainly ascribed to the formation of heterojunction between LaNiO3 and ZnIn2S4. The heterojunction can facilitate charge transport on the interface between LaNiO3 and ZnIn2S4 and suppress the recombination of photo-generated charge carriers over ZnIn2S4/LaNiO3 nanohybrid, which were well demonstrated by photoelectrochemical tests. Moreover, the direct Z-scheme photocatalytic reaction mechanism was proposed to elucidate the improved performance of ZnIn2S4/LaNiO3 nanohybrid photocatalyst. This study may provide some guidance on the construction of direct Z-scheme photocatalytic system for photocatalytic H2 evolution.