LAUSR

Abstract The design of energy band structures and the construction of composite materials are effective ways to improve photocatalytic activity. Hence, ZnxCd1−xIn2S4/MoS2 composites were first prepared in this work by combining ZnxCd1−xIn2S4 solid solution and MoS2 nanosheets. The solid solution strategy partly avoided the potential conflicts between visible-light absorption and redox capacity through energy band modulation, and MoS2 provided more active sites and facilitated the separation of photogenerated carriers. This reasonable structural design improved the visible-light absorption capacity, achieved the appropriate redox potential, promoted carrier separation and transfer during photocatalysis. As-prepared composites of Zn1/2Cd1/2In2S4/MoS2-18.9% showed excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance under visible-light illumination, which provided a hydrogen evolution rate of 2255.21 μmol g−1 h−1 with an quantum yield of 19.55% under incident monochromatic light of 420 nm. Zn1/2Cd1/2In2S4/MoS2 composites also displayed long-term stability after five photocatalytic cycles. Finally, the relevant photogenerated charge transfer and catalytic mechanisms of ZnxCd1−xIn2S4 and Zn1/2Cd1/2In2S4/MoS2 composites were proposed and analyzed.