Tuning Optical and Electronic Property via M‐S‐Si (M = Zn, In) Interface Charge Mediator in ZIS/DFNS for Efficient Reductive Water Splitting under Visible Light Irradiation

Abstract The present study describes the synthesis of a novel ZnIn ₂ S ₄ /DFNS (ZIS/DFNS) through a hydrothermal method, featuring a spherical morphology. The synthesized DFNS (dendritic fibrous nanosilica) mesoporous silica spheres display a distinctive fibrous structure and uniform distribution. Characterization of the ZIS/DFNS nanocomposites confirms the presence of ZIS and amorphous SiO ₂ . The material exhibits notable optoelectronic properties and charge separation by forming an M‐S‐Si (M = Zn, In) interface, making it suitable for photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light. 20%ZIS/DFNS nanocomposite alone achieves a hydrogen generation of 5770.54 µmol g ⁻¹ . However, when combined with Pt as a co‐catalyst, the hydrogen generation significantly increases to 9887.84 µmol g ⁻¹ over 5 h, using Na ₂ S and Na ₂ SO ₃ as a hole scavenger. This enhancement is due to DFNS's exceptional light‐harvesting ability, which results from multiple light‐scattering events, as well as the efficient dispersion of ZIS on its fibrous surface. This dispersion enhances water diffusion and interaction with active catalytic sites. This study provides a novel perspective on developing advanced photocatalytic systems by integrating ZIS nanomaterials, which possess an optimal bandgap of 3.1 eV for photocatalytic water splitting, with DFNS, known for its high light‐harvesting capability due to its fibrous structure and increased surface area.