Boosted photogenerated carriers separation in FeP/Cu3P/ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst for highly efficient H2 evolution under visible light

The development of efficient photocatalysts with effective charge separation and numerous active sites is a key challenge in photocatalysis. ZnIn2S4 based binary and ternary composite photocatalysts were successfully synthesized using microwave hydrothermal and calcination techniques, exhibiting excellent hydrogen production capabilities. Among these, the FeP/Cu3P/ZnIn2S4 composite photocatalysts demonstrated the highest hydrogen production performance, with an average rate of 1.613 mmol g- 1 h-1, which was 4.42 times greater than that of pure ZnIn2S4. The enhanced hydrogen production of the FeP/Cu3P/ZnIn2S4 photocatalysts was attributed to the establishment of a p-n heterojunction at the ZnIn2S4 interface. Furthermore, the presence of FeP lowered the hydrogen production barrier in the system and provided additional active sites for the catalytic reaction.