Cu-doped In(OH)₃/In₂S₃/In₂O₃ nanostructures for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from natural seawater under visible light

The Cu-doped In(OH)₃/In₂S₃/In₂O₃ nanostructures demonstrate significant potential for photocatalytic hydrogen generation, particularly in seawater. The microwave-assisted one-pot synthesis method enhances material uniformity and prevents phase separation, improving charge transport and catalytic efficiency. Structural analysis confirms the incorporation of Cu ions, which reduces the bandgap energy and increases surface oxygen vacancies, thereby facilitating effective charge separation and reducing recombination losses. Photoluminescence results indicate a decrease in electron-hole recombination, thereby further enhancing photocatalytic performance. UV–vis spectroscopy shows a redshift and enhanced visible light absorption, enabling efficient solar-driven hydrogen production. Additionally, seawater experiments validate the practical feasibility of these nanostructures, demonstrating their efficiency in real-world applications. These findings demonstrate that Cu-doped In(OH)₃/In₂S₃/In₂O₃ is a promising photocatalyst for sustainable hydrogen generation, offering excellent stability and recyclability for efficient hydrogen production directly from seawater.