Hollow core–shell Co9S8@ZnIn2S4/CdS nanoreactor for efficient photothermal effect and CO2 photoreduction

The hollow core–shell Co9S8 @ZnIn2S4/CdS nanoreactors are fabricated by growing ZnIn2S4 nanosheets and CdS quantum dots on hollow Co9S8 nanocages for photocatalytic CO2 reduction and H2 generation. Because of unique structural and compositional advantages, Co9S8 @ZnIn2S4/CdS exhibits a significant photocatalytic BPA degradation of 90.62%, CO production of 82.10 μmol g−1 h−1, and H2 evolution rate up to 1419.14 μmol g−1 h−1. Excellent photocatalytic performances are attributed to unique core-shell architecture, which can improve the scattering and refraction efficiency of incident light, and the separation and migration of photoinduced carriers. Furthermore, Co9S8 @ZnIn2S4/CdS possesses a broad absorption spectrum facilitating outstanding photothermal performance. The photocatalytic mechanism for the nanoreactor has been discussed in detail. [Display omitted] •The hollow core-shell CoS@ZIS/CdS nanoreactor is successfully prepared.•The hollow structure promotes multiple reflections and fast mass transfer.•The nanoreactor displays obvious broad spectrum response and photothermal effect.•The energy band and internal electric field are verified by simulated calculations.•It shows excellent photocatalytic CO2 reduction and H2 evolution efficiencies.