Recent progress on ZnIn2S4 -based composite photocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production coupling organic synthesis

Compared with sacrificial-agent-dependent half-reactions in photocatalytic water-splitting hydrogen production, coupling photocatalytic organic synthesis with hydrogen production markedly boosts electron-hole utilization efficiency and cuts reaction costs. In recent years, hexagonal ZnIn2S4 has been widely applied in the field of photocatalytic hydrogen production coupled with organic synthesis due to its advantages such as narrow band gap, high hydrogen evolution efficiency, good chemical stability, non-toxicity, and low cost. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the latest progress in ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts. We first summarize the preparation methods of ZnIn2S4 and the strategies to improve its performance, including metal doping, morphological engineering, heterostructure construction and defect engineering. Subsequently, we focus on the research progress of ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts in hydrogen production coupling organic synthesis, including the selective conversion of alcohols, oxidative coupling of amines, thiol dehydrogenation, and biomass oxidation. Finally, the challenges and opportunities that ZnIn2S4 face in the practical application are discussed. It is expected that this review will offer insightful guidance for the rational design of semiconductor-based dual-functional photoredox reaction systems, thereby injecting impetus into the research on harvesting environmentally solar fuel production as well as the high-value-added fine chemicals.