Znln2S4 photocatalyst composite with phosphorus-modified MOF-derived cobalt/carbon nanoparticles for efficient visible-light-driven water splitting H2 production

Abstract

Accelerating carrier transfer and increasing active surface sites are key to boosting hydrogen production in composite photocatalysts. This study introduces a novel phosphorus-modified MOF-derived cobalt/carbon co-catalyst, CoPC, as a viable alternative to noble metals like platinum and palladium. CoPC significantly enhances the photocatalytic performance of ZnIn₂S₄ (ZIS) under low-power visible light, achieving a hydrogen production rate of 2.1 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, over seven times that of pure ZnIn₂S₄. CoPC's metallic properties improve charge carrier separation efficiency and offer additional active sites, boosting the photocatalytic water-splitting efficiency of the ZnIn₂S₄–CoPC system.