Facile fabrication of Zn3In2S6@SnS2 3D heterostructure for efficient visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Zn3In2S6@SnS2 was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The Zn3In2S6@SnS2 three-dimensional heterostructure exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity, which provides a stable photocatalyst for photocatalytic water splitting. [Display omitted] •SnS2@Zn3In2S6 composites were synthesized from SnS2 nanosheets and Zn3In2S6 microspheres.•SnS2@Zn3In2S6 heterojunctions enhanced photocatalytic H2 production under visible light.•Efficient charge separation and transfer at the heterojunctions explained the improved performance. A series of Zn3In2S6@SnS2 photocatalysts with different SnS2 mass ratios were prepared by hydrothermal method. Two photoactive sulfide materials were prepared into composite materials for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light excitation. The unique structure accelerates the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes. Due to its unique composition advantages, the Zn3In2S6@SnS2 three-dimensional heterostructure without any co-catalyst (SnS2 doping amount of 10 %) exhibited remarkable activity, and its hydrogen production rate was 15443 μmol h−1g−1, indicating high photocatalytic stability for water decomposition. Based on photoelectrochemical (PEC) and hydrogen evolution test, a reasonable photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.