3D-hierarchical Cu3SnS4 flowerlike microspheres: controlled synthesis, formation mechanism and photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution from water

Abstract

3D-hierarchical Cu₃SnS₄ flowerlike microspheres have been successfully synthesized through a solvothermal process. The reaction temperature and the dosage of the sulfur source play significant roles in the growth of Cu₃SnS₄ flowerlike microspheres. The formation process of the hierarchical microspheres is studied well and a possible mechanism is also proposed. UV-visible absorption spectra show that the as-synthesized Cu₃SnS₄ microspheres with a direct band gap of 1.38 eV have stronger absorption from the UV to near-IR region. Further studies reveal that the obtained Cu₃SnS₄ photocatalysts without any loadings exhibit good photocatalytic activity, and the rate of H₂ evolution is determined to be 1.1 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ under simulated solar irradiation.