ABSTRACT A bimetallic NiAg alloy is assembled on the surface of Zn 3 In 2 S 6 to construct a NiAg‐Zn 3 In 2 S 6 composite using a chemical reduction method. By adjusting the different alloy ratios, the hydrogen evolution activity of the optimum Ni 0.25 Ag 0.75 ‐Zn 3 In 2 S 6 photocatalyst achieves 21.32 mmol·g −1 ·h −1 , which is 12.5, 3.8, and 1.7 times higher than those of pure Zn 3 In 2 S 6 (1.7 mmol·g −1 ·h −1 ), Ni‐Zn 3 In 2 S 6 (5.5 mmol·g −1 ·h −1 ), and Ag‐Zn 3 In 2 S 6 (12.3 mmol·g −1 ·h −1 ), respectively. The apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of the optimum Ni 0.25 Ag 0.75 ‐Zn 3 In 2 S 6 photocatalyst is 15.1% and 6.8% under monochromatic light at wavelengths of 370 and 456 nm. Systematic experiments and DFT theoretical calculations demonstrate that the plasmon hybridization of the loaded NiAg alloy can significantly improve the light‐trapping ability of Zn 3 In 2 S 6 . The introduction of NiAg alloy optimizes the carrier transport paths, acts as a trapping site for the photoinduced electrons, and reduces carrier recombination, thus enhancing the photocatalytic performance of the catalysts. Furthermore, the NiAg alloy improves H adsorption on both Ni and Ag and provides more optimal Ag sites as active sites for H adsorption. This approach demonstrates the feasibility of replacing precious metals with cost‐effective, earth‐abundant NiAg alloys as efficient cocatalysts for modifying Zn 3 In 2 S 6 , holding promising potential for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution applications.
Yang et al. (Thu,) studied this question.