Toward Optimized g-C₃N₄/ZnIn₂S₄ Photocatalysts for Solar Hydrogen Evolution: A Comprehensive Review and Experimental Validation

Photocatalytic hydrogen production under solar illumination is a promising strategy for sustainable energy conversion. Among various heterostructure systems, composites based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn₂S₄) have demonstrated notable potential due to their favorable band alignment, visible-light absorption, and environmental compatibility. However, the hydrogen evolution performance of g-C₃N₄/ ZnIn₂S₄ (CN/ZIS) heterostructures is highly sensitive to key parameters such as the composite ratio, synthesis strategy, sacrificial agent, and light source. In this work, a critical review of ۴۸ experimental CN/ZIS systems is presented, systematically evaluating how each of these variables influences photocatalytic activity. The results reveal that optimal performance is typically achieved with a CN:ZIS ratio of ۱۰–۲۰%, oil-bath or microwave-assisted synthesis, triethanolamine (TEOA) as a sacrificial agent, and high-intensity visible light (e.g., ۳۰۰ W Xenon lamp). Guided by these insights, a CN/ZIS composite was synthesized under optimized conditions (۱۵:۸۵ ratio, oil-bath method, TEOA, ۳۰۰ W Xenon lamp). Comprehensive characterization confirmed successful heterojunction formation, strong visible-light absorption, and nanoscale interfacial integration. The synthesized material exhibited an exceptional hydrogen evolution rate of ۴۶۶۰۱.۷۸ μmol·h⁻¹·g⁻¹ over a ۵-hour irradiation period, validating the parameter-guided design approach. This study bridges data-driven review with experimental realization, offering strategic guidance for the rational development of next-generation photocatalysts for efficient solar-driven hydrogen production.

کلیدواژه ها:

Photocatalysis ، Hydrogen evolution reaction ، g-C₃N₄/ZnIn₂S₄ heterojunction ، Solar hydrogen production ، Process optimization