Cu-based mutlinary sulfide nanomaterials for photocatalytic applications

Abstract

Due to their environmentally benign elemental components, suitable bandgap and high absorption coefficient in the visible-light range, Cu-based multinary sulfides exhibit excellent photocatalytic properties. Moreover, the adjustable atomic structure and unique electronic state of Cu-based multinary sulfide semiconductors can boost their ability to absorb visible light. In this review, we provide a summary of recent progress in photocatalytic applications of Cu-based multinary sulfide nanomaterials, including Cu-based ternary sulfides (CuInS2, CuIn5S8, Cu3SnS4, CuFeS2, etc.) and Cu-based quaternary sulfides (CuZnInS, Cu2ZnSnS4, CuZnGaS, CuInGaS, etc.). We start with a review of the bandgap alignments of Cu-based ternary sulfides and Cu-based quaternary sulfides, which are the key factors for the photocatalytic activity of semiconductor photocatalysts. Then, we discuss the advancements in photocatalytic applications of Cu-based multinary sulfide photocatalysts, including photocatalytic H2 production, CO2 reduction, organic synthesis and degradation of pollutants and photoelectrochemical H2 production. Finally, we end this review with a summary of the current challenges and opportunities of Cu-based multinary sulfides in future studies.

Keywords

• cu-based multinary sulfide nanomaterials
• photocatalytic h<sub>2</sub> production
• photoelectrochemical h<sub>2</sub> production
• photocatalytic co<sub>2</sub> reduction
• photocatalytic organic synthesis
• photocatalytic pollutant removal