Ultrathin Two-Dimensional ZnInS/Ni-B Heterostructure for High-Performance Photocatalytic Fine Chemical Synthesis and H Generation.

Photocatalytic H evolution coupled with organic transformation provides a new avenue to cooperatively produce clean fuels and fine chemicals, enabling a more efficient conversion of solar energy. Here, a novel two-dimensional (2D) heterostructure of ultrathin ZnInS nanosheets decorated with amorphous nickel boride (Ni-B) is prepared for simultaneous photocatalytic anaerobic H generation and aromatic aldehydes production. This ZnInS/Ni-B catalyst elaborately combines the ultrathin structure advantage of the ZnInS semiconductor and the cocatalytic function of Ni-B. A high H production rate of 8.9 mmol h g is delivered over the optimal ZnInS/Ni-B with a stoichiometric production of benzaldehyde, which is about 22 times higher than ZnInS. Especially, the H evolution rate is much higher than the value (2.8 mmol h g) of the traditional photocatalytic half reaction of H production with triethanolamine as a sacrificial agent. The apparent quantum yield reaches 24% at 420 nm, representing an advanced photocatalyst system. Moreover, compared with traditional sulfide, hydroxide, and even noble metal modified ZnInS/M counterparts (M = NiS, Ni(OH), Pt), the ZnInS/Ni-B also maintains markedly higher photocatalytic activity, showing a highly efficient and economical advantage of the Ni-B cocatalyst. This work sheds light on the exploration of 2D ultrathin semiconductors decorated with novel transition metal boride cocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic organic transformation integrated with solar fuel production.