Constructing electrostatic self-assembled 2D/2D ultra-thin ZnIn2S4/protonated g-C3N4 heterojunctions for excellent photocatalytic performance under visible light

Abstract

2D/2D ultra-thin ZnIn2S4/protonated g-C3N4 nanocomposites (ZnIn2S4/pCN) are fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly strategy between negatively charged 2D ultra-thin ZnIn2S4 nanosheets and 2D protonated g-C3N4 nanosheets. The optimized ZnIn2S4/pCN (5:3) shows excellent photocatalytic activity toward H2 production (˜8601.16 μmol g−1 h−1) under visible light. In addition, ZnIn2S4/pCN also exhibits superior visible-light-driven photocatalytic tetracycline degradation efficiency, about ˜4.13 and ˜2.28 times higher than protonated g-C3N4 and ultra-thin ZnIn2S4, respectively. The optimal ZnIn2S4/pCN (5:3) also has good photostability. The excellent photocatalytic activity of ZnIn2S4/pCN can be attributed to the unique 2D/2D heterojunctions, which are obtained by electrostatic self-assembly. The intimate interfacial contact and larger contact areas promote the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers, which contribute to the improvement of photocatalytic activity and photostability. Our research on the 2D/2D nanocomposites provides a scalable solution for the research of efficient and active photocatalysts.