Semimetal 1T' phase molybdenum sulfide decorated on zinc indium sulfide with S-scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Heterojunction engineering is an effective strategy to improve photocatalytic performance. Two-dimensional (2D)/2D semimetal 1T' phase molybdenum sulfide/zinc indium sulfide (1T'-MoS/ZnInS) S-scheme heterojunctions with tight and stable interfaces were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal synthesis method. Under the optimal 1T'-MoS loading ratio (5 wt%), the hydrogen production rate of 1T'-MoS/ZnInS composites reaches 11.42 mmol h g, which is 3.1 and 1.4 times higher than that of pure ZnInS (2.9 mmol h g) and ZnInS/Pt (8.01 mmol h g), and the apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) reaches 53.17 % (λ = 370 nm). Semimetal 1T' phase MoS on ZnInS broadens the light absorption range, enhances the light absorption ability, promotes electron transfer, and offers abundant active sites. The establishment of S-scheme heterojunctions achieves the spatial separation of photogenerated charges and increases the reduction potential. This work provides insights for the design of novel photocatalysts.