Remarkable Visible-light Induced Hydrogen Generation with ZnIn2S4 Microspheres/CuInS2 Quantum Dots Photocatalytic System

A new and active material in the form of ZnIn₂S₄ microspheres decorated by CuInS₂ quantum dots have been obtained by hydrothermal method for the first time. The optimum amount of CuInS₂ quantum dots (1.13 wt.%) introduced into rection medium during ZnIn₂S₄ microspheres synthesis increased the photocatalytic H₂ generation rate by 2.5 times than that of bare ZnIn₂S₄ photocatalysis under visible light irradiation. This sample exhibited strong photoactivity in the extended visible range up to 540 nm with 30.6% apparent quantum efficiency (λ = 420 nm).