Design and architecture of ZnIn2S4 and ZnIn2S4-based hybrid materials for photocatalytic, electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Photocatalytic innovations are routinely employed in the production of hydrogen, remediation of environmental damage, lowering CO₂ emissions, and numerous additional critical disciplines because of their sustainability, ease of being implemented, and dependability on solar energy as a mandate source. ZnIn₂S₄, a ternary metal sulfide, has garnered considerable interest among visible-light-responsive photocatalysts due to its outstanding properties that include convenient synthesis, outstanding resilience, and controllable band configuration. However, its limited light-harvesting ability, rapid recombination of photogenerated charges, and low redox capacity remain significant limitations that hinder the optimization of the photocatalytic activity of ZnIn₂S₄ photocatalysts. These challenges can be addressed through the formation of S-scheme heterojunctions by integrating ZnIn₂S₄ and other semiconductors. Recently, various semiconductor photocatalysts, such as sulfur compounds (ZnS, CoS, and FeS₂), metal oxides (WO₃, TiO₂, and In₂O₃), and some organic compounds, have been combined with ZnIn₂S₄ to derive ZnIn₂S₄-based S-scheme heterojunctions to improve its catalytic performance. However, their implementation is limited by photogenerated carrier recombination and photocorrosion. These challenges can be addressed through the formation of S-scheme heterojunctions by integrating ZnIn₂S₄ with additional semiconductors; however, the photocatalytic activity of S-scheme heterojunctions still needs to be enhanced. To date, the extensive photocatalytic applications of ZnIn₂S₄-based S-scheme heterojunctions have been thoroughly demonstrated with specific examples, including H₂ production, CO₂ reduction, and environmental remediation. Currently, the modification of ZnIn₂S₄ through metal ion and non-metal doping has received limited attention. Consequently, investigations into the impact of the non-metallic doping of ZnIn₂S₄ on its properties can be extended. Herein, we outline the current challenges and critical issues related to ZnIn₂S₄ and its photocatalysts. Furthermore, we provide perspectives on future advancements and highlight various challenges associated with ZnIn₂S₄-based materials.