Absence Of Sacrificial Agent Research Articles

Dual vacancies synergistically induced hybridization effect of Ti3C2Tx-based photocatalyst for enhanced U(VI) photoreduction

The exact understanding for each promotional role of anion and cation vacancies in efficient photocatalytic reduction U(VI) reaction system will contribute to the development of photocatalysts. Herein, a Ti3C2Tx/CNv/MnOx (CTM) photocatalyst with Ti3C2Tx and MnOx as cocatalysts was successfully synthesized by construction of N anionic and Ti cationic dual vacancies synergistically induced hybridization and was used for efficient U(VI) photoreduction in absence of sacrificial agents. The introduction of dual vacancies can change the charge distribution on the photocatalyst surface to effectively surmount the deficiency of poor U(VI) capture ability and reduce band gap. Especially, the strategy of di-vacancies synergistically induced cocatalysts hybridization effect promotes the accelerated accumulation of electrons and holes on corresponding cocatalysts to participate in redox reactions, greatly enhancing the charge spatial separation. Impressively, the U(VI) removal ratio of the CTM is as high as 96.1 % within 90 min, and CTM exhibits excellent selectivity (1.55×104 mL g-1) even in complex tailings wastewater. Even after five cycles, the U(VI) removal rate can still be as high as 93.2 %. This strategy may provide a new avenue for rational design of photocatalysts for efficient photoreduction U(VI).

High-Performance H2 Photosynthesis from Pure Water over Ru-S Charge Transfer Channels.

As a versatile energy carrier, H2 is considered as one of the most promising sources of clean energy to tackle the current energy crisis and environmental concerns, which can be produced from photocatalytic water splitting. However, solar-driven photocatalytic H2 production from pure water in the absence of sacrificial reagents remains a great challenge. Herein, we demonstrate that the incorporation of Ru single atoms (SAs) into ZnIn2S4 (Ru-ZIS) can enhance the light absorption, reduce the energy barriers for water dissociation, and construct a channel (Ru-S) for separating photogenerated electron-hole pairs, as a result of a significantly enhanced photocatalytic water splitting process. Impressively, the productivity of H2 reaches 735.2 μmol g-1 h-1 under visible light irradiation in the absence of sacrificial agents. The apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) for H2 evolution reaches 7.5% at 420 nm, with a solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 0.58%, which is much higher than the value of natural synthetic plants (∼0.10%). Moreover, Ru-ZIS exhibits steady productivity of H2 even after exposure to ambient conditions for 330 days. This work provides a unique strategy for constructing charge transfer channels to promote the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, which may motivate the fundamental researches on catalyst design for photocatalysis and beyond.

Constructing Photocatalytic Covalent Organic Frameworks with Aliphatic Linkers.

Photocatalytic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are typically constructed with rigid aromatic linkers for crystallinity and extended π-conjugation. However, the essential hydrophobicity of the aromatic backbone can limit their performances in water-based photocatalytic reactions. Here, we for the first time report the synthesis of hydrophilic COFs with aliphatic linkers [tartaric acid dihydrazide (TAH) and butanedioic acid dihydrazide] that can function as efficient photocatalysts for H2O2 and H2 evolution. In these hydrophilic aliphatic linkers, the specific multiple hydrogen bonding networks not only enhance crystallization but also ensure an ideal compatibility of crystallinity, hydrophilicity, and light harvesting. The resulting aliphatic linker COFs adopt an unusual ABC stacking, giving rise to approximately 0.6 nm nanopores with an improved interaction with water guests. Remarkably, both aliphatic linker-based COFs show strong visible light absorption, along with a narrow optical band gap of ∼1.9 eV. The H2O2 evolution rate for TAH-COF reaches up to 6003 μmol h-1 g-1, in the absence of sacrificial agents, surpassing the performance of all previously reported COF-based photocatalysts. Theoretical calculations reveal that the TAH linker can enhance the indirect two-electron oxygen reduction reaction for H2O2 production by improving the O2 adsorption and stabilizing the *OOH intermediate. This study opens a new avenue for constructing semiconducting COFs using nonaromatic linkers.

Electro-assisted photocatalytic reduction of CO2 in ambient air using Ag/TNTAs at the gas-solid interface

The direct conversion of atmospheric CO2 into fuel via photocatalysis exhibits significant practical application value in advancing the carbon cycle. In this study, we established an electro-assisted photocatalytic system with dual compartments and interfaces, and coated Ag nanoparticles on the titanium nanotube arrays (TNTAs) by polydopamine modification. In the absence of sacrificial agent and alkali absorption liquid conditions, the stable, efficient and highly selective conversion of CO2 to CO at the gas-solid interface in ambient air was realized by photoelectric synergy. Specifically, with the assistance of potential, the CO formation rates reached 194.9 μmol h−1 m−2 and 103.9 μmol h−1 m−2 under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation, respectively; the corresponding CO2 conversion rates in ambient air were 30% and 16%, respectively. The excellent catalytic effect is mainly attributed to the formation of P–N heterojunction during the catalytic process and the surface plasmon resonance effect. Additionally, the introduction of solid agar electrolytes effectively inhibits the hydrogen evolution reaction and improves the electron utilization rate. This system promotes the development of photocatalytic technology for practical applications and provides new insights and support for the carbon cycle.

Synchronous construction of Cu and Ni single-atom sites in ordered porous TiO2 for enhanced photo-conversion of CO2 and H2O to methane

The solar-powered conversion of CO2 and H2O to hydrocarbons is highly compelling but remains a significant challenge because both CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation are thermodynamically unfavorable. Herein, the synchronous incorporation of Cu and Ni single-atom sites into ordered porous TiO2 was accomplished through a template-assisted calcination process, resulting in a series of Cu-Ni/TiO2 catalysts for photocatalytic CO2 reduction using H2O as a hydrogen source. The formation of Cu and Ni single atoms was verified by X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The optimal Cu-Ni/TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited excellent performance to reach a CH4 production rate of 63.88 μmol g−1 h−1 with a high selectivity of 96.4% under simulated sunlight, in the absence of sacrificial agents. The presence of Cu and Ni single atoms not only provided effective active sites for adsorption and activation of CO2 and H2O but also facilitated separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. In situ spectroscopic analyses revealed that CO2 was adsorbed on the catalyst as bicarbonates, followed by the multistep reduction into CH4 via the electron-proton transfer processes, while the photogenerated holes were consumed by H2O oxidation to generate H2O2. The simultaneous enhancement of both H2O and CO2 activation guarantees excellent photocatalytic performance towards CH4 production. This study provides guidance on developing highly efficient photocatalysts by engineering active sites as well as insights into enhancing CO2 photoreduction.

Preparation of highly dispersed Ni single-atom doped ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets by metal vapor exfoliation for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Single-atom photocatalysts can modulate the utilization of photons and facilitate the migration of photogenerated carriers. However, the preparation of single-atom uniformly doped photocatalysts is still a challenging topic. Herein, we propose the preparation of Ni single-atom doped g-C3N4 photocatalysts by metal vapor exfoliation. The Ni vapor produced by calcining nickel foam at high temperature accumulates in between g-C3N4 layers and poses a certain vapor pressure to destroy the interlayer van der Waals forces of g-C3N4. Individual metal atoms are doped into the structure while exfoliating g-C3N4 into nanosheets by metal vapor. Upon optimization of Ni content, the Ni single atom doped g-C3N4 nanosheets with 2.81 wt% Ni exhibits the highest CO2 reduction performance in the absence of sacrificial agents. The generation rates of CO and CH4 are 19.85 and 1.73 μmol g−1h−1, respectively. The improved photocatalytic performance is attributed to the anchoring Ni of single atoms on g-C3N4 nanosheets, which increases both carrier separation efficiency and reaction sites. This work provides insight into the design of photocatalysts with highly dispersed single-atom.

Construction of one-dimensional ZnCdS(EDA)/Ni@NiO for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

The development of photocatalysts plays a pivotal role in facilitating the production of green hydrogen energy through water splitting. In this study, one-dimensional (1D) organic-inorganic ZnCdS(EDA)/Ni@NiO (EDA: ethylenediamine) nanorods were prepared by combining organic molecules of EDA into ZnCdS. The EDA molecule possesses two amino functional groups with strong electron-donating capacity, thereby facilitating electron transfer to ZnCdS(EDA)/Ni@NiO and enabling efficient hydrogen evolution through photocatalytic water splitting. The H2 evolution rate of ZnCdS(EDA)/Ni@NiO was 159 μmol g-1 h-1 in the absence of sacrificial agents, and its H2 evolution rate in the system with EDA as the sacrificial agent can reach 5760 μmol g-1 h-1. The combination of EDA, a S vacancy, and heterojunction was proved to be the main factor for improving the separation and transfer rate of photogenerated carriers. The incorporation of ZnCdS(EDA)/Ni@NiO enhances the participation of photogenerated electrons in the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction, thereby improving the overall photocatalytic activity. The synthesis of this one-dimensional composite catalyst holds great potential for advancing the development of efficient photocatalytic materials.

Assisted assembling of Bi2WO6/rGO composites: A 3D/2D Hierarchical nanostructures for enhanced photocatalytic water remediation and photo-(electro)catalytic water splitting proficiency

The current study explores the possibility of effectively improving Bi2WO6 (BWO) nanostructures in photocatalytic clean H2 generation and treating water from pharmaceutical wastes. BWO nanoparticles (NPs) hybridized with carbon-derived materials proved to be an efficient candidate in the field of photocatalysis. In this work, BWO nanostructures have been synthesized via the facile co-precipitation technique. The reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) was used as the carbon derivative for the hybridization process. Furthermore, different weight percentages of rGO were loaded with BWO NPs through the wet impregnation technique. The structural, and morphological analysis confirmed the formation of BWO/x% rGO composites. UV-DRS analysis showcased the reduction in bandgap in annexure with increased light absorbance region upon rGO inclusion. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) proved a prolonged lifetime for BWO/15% rGO composite. In addition, their photocatalytic abilities were put to the test, and BWO/15% rGO nano-hybrid demonstrated a superior degradation of pharmaceutical wastes like tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and levofloxacin (LVX) from water in 15 min. Furthermore, photo-electrochemical measurements showed the lowest onset potential and better charge transfer for efficient splitting of water. The photocatalytic water splitting was performed in the presence of sacrificial agents and in the absence of sacrificial agents, where BWO/15% rGO exhibited maximum H2 evolution.

Photocatalytic C-O activation and biomass derived polymer precursor production with CO2 over redox centers spatially separated Sv-ZnIn2S4/BiVO4

It is a very important, promising and challenging exploration to achieve the CO2 transformation and renewable biomass utilization for value added chemical intermediate production. Herein, S vacancies enriched Z-scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/BiVO4 was designed to achieve photocatalytic C-O activation and carboxylation with CO2 in the absence of sacrificial agent. Various aromatic alcohols could be utilized to prepare corresponding carbon chain increased aryl carboxylic acids through acetic anhydride assisted esterification, photogenerated holes oxidization induced benzyl radical generation and subsequent CO2 carboxylation. It is worth mentioning that furfuryl alcohol could also achieve the C-O activation and di-carboxylation to prepare biomass derived polymer precursor. In Z-scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/BiVO4, spatially separating redox centers construction enhanced photogenerated holes and electrons separation was favorable for the benzyl radical generation and CO2 carboxylation. Moreover, the introduction of S vacancies was helpful for the photoinduced electrons enrichment and substrate capture ability improvement.

Tunable CO2-to-syngas conversion via strong electronic coupling in S-scheme ZnGa2O4/g-C3N4 photocatalysts

The conversion of CO2 into syngas, a mixture of CO and H2, via photocatalytic reduction, is a promising approach towards achieving a sustainable carbon economy. However, the evolution of highly adjustable syngas, particularly without the use of sacrifice reagents or additional cocatalysts, remains a significant challenge. In this study, a step-scheme (S-scheme) 0D ZnGa2O4 nanodots (∼7 nm) rooted g-C3N4 nanosheets (denoted as ZnGa2O4/C3N4) heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized vis a facial in-situ growth strategy for efficient CO2-to-syngas conversion. Both experimental and theoretical studies have demonstrated that the polymeric nature of g-C3N4 and highly distributed ZnGa2O4 nanodots synergistically contribute to a strong interaction between metal oxide and C3N4 support. Furthermore, the desirable S-scheme heterojunction in ZnGa2O4/C3N4 efficiently promotes charge separation, enabling strong photoredox ability. As a result, the S-scheme ZnGa2O4/C3N4 exhibited remarkable activity and selectivity in photochemical conversion of CO2 into syngas, with a syngas production rate of up to 103.3 μ mol g−1 h−1, even in the absence of sacrificial agents and cocatalyst. Impressively, the CO/H2 ratio of syngas can be tunable within a wide range from 1:4 to 2:1. This work exemplifies the effectiveness of a meticulously designed S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for CO2-to-syngas conversion with adjustable composition, thus paving the way for new possibilities in sustainable energy conversion and utilization.

Significant Acceleration of Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction at the Gas-Liquid Interface of Microdroplets.

Solar-driven CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is largely constrained by the sluggish mass transfer and fast combination of photogenerated charge carriers. Herein, we find that the photocatalytic CO2RR efficiency at the abundant gas-liquid interface provided by microdroplets is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the corresponding bulk phase reaction. Even in the absence of sacrificial agents, the production rates of HCOOH over WO3·0.33H2O mediated by microdroplets reaches 2536 μmol h-1g-1 (vs. 13 μmol h-1g-1 in bulk phase), which is significantly superior to the previously reported photocatalytic CO2RR in bulk phase reaction condition. Beyond the efficient delivery of CO2 to photocatalyst surfaces within microdroplets, we reveal that the strong electric field at the gas-liquid interface of microdroplets essentially promotes the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. This study provides a deep understanding of ultrafast reaction kinetics promoted by the gas-liquid interface of microdroplets and a novel way of addressing the low efficiency of photocatalytic CO2 reduction to fuel.

Significant Acceleration of Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction at the Gas‐Liquid Interface of Microdroplets**

AbstractSolar‐driven CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is largely constrained by the sluggish mass transfer and fast combination of photogenerated charge carriers. Herein, we find that the photocatalytic CO2RR efficiency at the abundant gas‐liquid interface provided by microdroplets is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the corresponding bulk phase reaction. Even in the absence of sacrificial agents, the production rates of HCOOH over WO3 ⋅ 0.33H2O mediated by microdroplets reaches 2536 μmol h−1 g−1 (vs. 13 μmol h−1 g−1 in bulk phase), which is significantly superior to the previously reported photocatalytic CO2RR in bulk phase reaction condition. Beyond the efficient delivery of CO2 to photocatalyst surfaces within microdroplets, we reveal that the strong electric field at the gas‐liquid interface of microdroplets essentially promotes the separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. This study provides a deep understanding of ultrafast reaction kinetics promoted by the gas‐liquid interface of microdroplets and a novel way of addressing the low efficiency of photocatalytic CO2 reduction to fuel.

Enhanced photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction and H2 production of CdSe quantum dots supported on Co-encapsulated N-doped carbon

BackgroundSolar-driven water splitting is regarded as one promising green way to produce H2. Photo-reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(Ⅵ)) to hypotoxic Cr(III) can control the Cr(VI)-induced pollution. A key in these processes is to develop a photocatalyst with high specific surface area, good light absorption and efficient charge carrier separation. MethodsA Co-encapsulated N-doped carbon (Co@NC) was prepared by pyrolysis ZIF-8@ZIF-67 precursor to modify CdSe quantum dots (QDs). The obtained catalyst was used to reduce Cr(Ⅵ) and split water under visible light irradiation. Significant findingsModification CdSe with Co@NC made obtained Co@NC/CdSe possessing enhanced visible-light absorption and photoexcited charge separation. The optimal 2%Co@NC/CdSe exhibited the excellent Cr(Ⅵ) reduction performance with a rate constant of 0.28 min–1 in the absence of sacrificial agent, as well as high H2 evolution rate of 6.48 mmol g–1 h–1 in 10% lactic acid solution. The H2O2 and electrons were the active species to reduce Cr(VI). This work gives a beneficial insight for improving the photocatalytic activity of QDs.

Engineering a Copper Single‐Atom Electron Bridge to Achieve Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion

AbstractDeveloping highly efficient and stable photocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) remains a great challenge. We designed a Z‐Scheme photocatalyst with N−Cu1−S single‐atom electron bridge (denoted as Cu‐SAEB), which was used to mediate the CO2RR. The production of CO and O2 over Cu‐SAEB is as high as 236.0 and 120.1 μmol g−1 h−1 in the absence of sacrificial agents, respectively, outperforming most previously reported photocatalysts. Notably, the as‐designed Cu‐SAEB is highly stable throughout 30 reaction cycles, totaling 300 h, owing to the strengthened contact interface of Cu‐SAEB, and mediated by the N−Cu1−S atomic structure. Experimental and theoretical calculations indicated that the SAEB greatly promoted the Z‐scheme interfacial charge‐transport process, thus leading to great enhancement of the photocatalytic CO2RR of Cu‐SAEB. This work represents a promising platform for the development of highly efficient and stable photocatalysts that have potential in CO2 conversion applications.

Engineering a Copper Single-Atom Electron Bridge to Achieve Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion.

Developing highly efficient and stable photocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR) remains a great challenge. We designed a Z-Scheme photocatalyst with N-Cu1 -S single-atom electron bridge (denoted as Cu-SAEB), which was used to mediate the CO2 RR. The production of CO and O2 over Cu-SAEB is as high as 236.0 and 120.1 μmol g-1 h-1 in the absence of sacrificial agents, respectively, outperforming most previously reported photocatalysts. Notably, the as-designed Cu-SAEB is highly stable throughout 30 reaction cycles, totaling 300 h, owing to the strengthened contact interface of Cu-SAEB, and mediated by the N-Cu1 -S atomic structure. Experimental and theoretical calculations indicated that the SAEB greatly promoted the Z-scheme interfacial charge-transport process, thus leading to great enhancement of the photocatalytic CO2 RR of Cu-SAEB. This work represents a promising platform for the development of highly efficient and stable photocatalysts that have potential in CO2 conversion applications.

Fabricated local surface plasmon resonance Cu2O/Ni-MOF hierarchical heterostructure photocatalysts for enhanced photoreduction of CO2

The electron density on the catalyst surface has a great influence on the multi-electron transport process of photocatalytic reduction of CO2. In this work, hierarchical Cu2O/Ni-MOF composite photocatalyst with local surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties was prepared by simple hydrothermal and water bath methods. Through DRS, XPS and AES tests found that the SPR of Cu0 expanded the light absorption, provided hot electrons for the reaction system, and greatly improved the photocatalytic activity in coordination with the hierarchical structure and heterostructure. In the absence of sacrificial agent, the CO yield of 30%-Cu2O/Ni-MOF was 4.1 times of Cu2O (5.32 μmol/g) and 11.1 times of Ni-MOF (1.95 μmol/g), respectively. Then, the possible photocatalytic reaction path was simply speculated based on in-situ FT-IR. In conclusion, the hierarchical structure, heterostructure and SPR effect accelerate the kinetics of Cu2O/Ni-MOF photocatalytic reaction, thus improving its photocatalytic activity.

Anchoring Co3O4 on CdZnS to accelerate hole migration for highly stable photocatalytic overall water splitting

Photocatalytic overall water splitting represents a promising strategy to achieve the renewable hydrogen energy. Although Cd1−xZnxS catalysts show high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency in pure water, severe photocorrosion problems limit their applications. Herein, photocatalytic system composed of Co3O4 nanoparticles anchored one-dimensional Cd0.6Zn0.4S nanorods (CZS/Co3O4) is designed and prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. Transient photovoltage tests and continuous wavelet transform analyses demonstrate that Co3O4 nanoparticles efficiently capture the photogenerated holes to inhibit photocorrosion of CZS nanorods, accelerate surface charge transfer and prolong the lifetime of photogenerated carriers. The CZS/Co3O4 photocatalyst exhibits high H2 and O2 evolution rates of 83.48 and 40.48 μmol h−1 g−1, respectively. The stability is maintained over four reaction cycles without significant decrease in the absence of sacrificial agents. This work provides insight into metal sulfides against photocorrosion and extends the range of metal sulfides in solar water splitting.

Regulating MoS2 edge site for photocatalytic nitrogen fixation: A theoretical and experimental study

The creation of active sites on semiconductor catalysts for the adsorption of N2 and dissociation of nonpolar N≡N bond is a key issue for photocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (PNRR). According to density function theory calculation on MoS2, the Mo rather than the S edge sites are active, and those on basal planes not. It is disclosed that Mn doping is an effective way to boost the activity of MoS2 by modifying the edge sites. The Mn-modified MoS2 has higher exposure of Mo edge sites due to the formation of S vacancies. It is noted that the activity of original Mo edge sites remains unaltered, while the inertness of S edge sites for N2 adsorption moderated. Furthermore, the injection of electrons into the N≡N bond is promoted, leading to lowering of energy barrier for N2 reduction. Finally, through a simple hydrothermal method we prepared MoS2 that is rich in edge sides at the basal plane by Mn doping. High ammonia production rate of up to 213.2 μmol g−1h−1 is achieved, which is 5.3 times that of pristine MoS2 and superior to most of the reported MoS2-based photocatalysts in the absence of sacrificial agent.

Magnetic field-enhanced photocatalytic nitrogen fixation over defect-rich ferroelectric Bi2WO6

Photocatalytic N2 fixation is a promising and sustainable manufacturing process of ammonia (NH3); however, the NH3 production rate by this method is very low, thus severely restricting further application of this sustainable technology. Therefore, developing an efficient photocatalyst for N2 fixation under mild conditions is urgently required. Herein, ferroelectric Bi2WO6 materials with different surface oxygen defects were prepared, and the concentration of corresponding defects was controlled by adjusting the thermal reduction time. The abundant oxygen defects in Bi2WO6 can provide more reactive sites to promote the effective adsorption of N2, and the photogenerated charge carrier can be efficiently separated benefiting from the internal electric field. These would weaken the N2 triple bond and reduce the activation energy barrier for the conversion of N2 to NH3 under mild conditions. In the absence of sacrificial agents and cocatalysts, the optimized Bi2WO6 with oxygen defects shows an indigenous NH3 yield of 132.175 μmol·g-1·L-1·h-1, which is more than two times higher than that of the original Bi2WO6. Surprisingly, the Bi2WO6 with oxygen defects produced more than eight times NH3 (471.13 μmol·g-1·L-1·h-1) than that of the original Bi2WO6 when assisted by an external magnetic field, thus providing a new perspective for further enhancing the N2 fixation performance.

Hierarchical NiCo2S4/ZnIn2S4 heterostructured prisms: High-efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen production under visible-light

Exploring low-cost co-catalyst to ameliorate the photocatalytic activity of semiconductors sets a clear direction for solving energy crisis and achieving efficient solar-chemical energy conversion. In this work, a unique hierarchical hollow heterojunction was constructed by in-situ growing ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on the porous NiCo2S4 hollow prisms through a low temperature solvothermal method, in which NiCo2S4 with semi-metal property acted as non-noble metal co-catalyst. NiCo2S4 co-catalyst was innovatively encapsulated in ZnIn2S4, which not only relieved the light shielding effect caused by the large loading amount of co-catalyst, but also supplied abundant active sites for H2 evolution. The hierarchical hollow heterostructure of NiCo2S4/ZnIn2S4 provided a highly efficient channel for charge transfer. Combining these advantages, NiCo2S4/ZnIn2S4 composite demonstrated excellent photocatalytic activity. In the absence of sacrificial agent, the NiCo2S4/ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst achieved a remarkable improved H2 yield of 0.77 mmol g−1h−1 under visible light irradiation (λ > 400 nm), which is 6.6 times greater than that of ZnIn2S4. Besides, NiCo2S4 even exhibited better performance on the H2 evolution improvement of ZnIn2S4 than precious metal Pt. This work will offer novel insights into the reasonable design of non-noble metal photocatalysts with respectable activity for water splitting.