Spatially Separating Redox Centers and Photothermal Effect Synergistically Boosting the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution of ZnIn2 S4 Nanosheets

Efficient Holes Abstraction by Precisely Decorating Ruthenium Single Atoms and RuOx Clusters on ZnIn2S4 for Photocatalytic Pure Water Splitting

Developing efficient photocatalysts for two-electron water splitting with simultaneous H2O2 and H2 generation shows great promise for practical application. Currently, the efficiency of two-electron water splitting is still restricted by the low utilization of photogenerated charges, especially holes, of which the transfer rate is much slower than that of electrons. Herein, Ru single atoms and RuOx clusters are co-decorated on ZnIn2S4 (RuOx/Ru-ZIS) to employ as multifunctional sites for efficient photocatalytic pure water splitting. Doping of Ru single atoms in the ZIS basal plane enhances holes abstraction from bulk ZIS by regulating the electronic structure, and RuOx clusters offer a strong interfacial electric field to remarkably promote the out-of-plane migration of holes from ZIS. Moreover, Ru single atoms and RuOx clusters also serve as active sites for boosting surface water oxidation. As a result, an excellent H2 and H2O2 evolution rates of 581.9 µmol g-1 h-1 and 464.4 µmol g-1 h-1 is achieved over RuOx/Ru-ZIS under visible light irradiation, respectively, with an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 4.36% at 400 nm. This work paves a new way to increase charge utilization by manipulating photocatalyst using single atom and clusters.

Boosting Interfacial Electron Transfer and CO2 Enrichment on ZIF-8/ZnTe for Selective Photoelectrochemical Reduction of CO2 to CO

Artificial photosynthesis is an effective way of converting CO2 into fuel and high value-added chemicals. However, the sluggish interfacial electron transfer and adsorption of CO2 at the catalyst surface strongly hamper the activity and selectivity of CO2 reduction. Here, we report a photocathode attaching zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) onto a ZnTe surface to mimic an aquatic leaf featuring stoma and chlorophyll for efficient photoelectrochemical conversion of CO2 into CO. ZIF-8 possessing high CO2 adsorption capacity and diffusivity has been selected to enrich CO2 into nanocages and provide a large number of catalytic active sites. ZnTe with high light-absorption capacity serves as a light-absorbing layer. CO2 molecules are collected in large nanocages of ZIF-8 and delivered to the ZnTe surface. As evidenced by scanning electrochemical microscopy, the interface can effectively boost interfacial electron transfer kinetics. The ZIF-8/ZnTe photocathode with unsaturated Zn-Nx sites exhibits a high Faradaic efficiency for CO production of 92.9% and a large photocurrent of 6.67 mA·cm-2 at -2.48 V (vs Fc/Fc+) in a nonaqueous electrolyte at AM 1.5G solar irradiation (100 mW·cm-2).

Achieving Long-Lived Charge Separated State through Ultrafast Interfacial Hole Transfer in Redox Sites-Isolated CdS Nanorods for Enhanced Photocatalysis

As opposed to natural photosynthesis, a significant challenge in a semiconductor-based photocatalyst is the limited hole extraction efficiency, which adversely affects solar-to-fuel efficiency. Recent studies have demonstrated that photocatalysts featuring spatially isolated dual catalytic oxidation/reduction sites can yield enhanced hole extraction efficiencies. However, the decay dynamics of excited states in such photocatalysts have not been explored. Here a ternary barbell-shaped CdS/MoS2/Cu2S heterostructure is prepared, comprising CdS nanorods (NRs) interfaced with MoS2 nanosheets at both ends and Cu2S nanoparticles on the sidewall. By using transient absorption (TA) spectra, highly efficient charge separation within the CdS/MoS2/Cu2S heterostructure are identified. This is achieved through directed electron transfer to the MoS2 tips at a rate constant of >8.3 × 109 s-1 and rapid hole transfer to the Cu2S nanoparticles on the sidewall at a rate of >6.1 × 1010 s-1, leading to an exceptional overall charge transfer constant of 2.3 × 1011 s-1 in CdS/MoS2/Cu2S. The enhanced hole transfer efficiency results in a remarkably prolonged charge-separated state, facilitating efficient electron accumulation within the MoS2 tips. Consequently, the ternary CdS/MoS2/Cu2S heterostructure demonstrates a 22-fold enhancement in visible-light-driven H2 generation compare to pure CdS nanorods. This work highlights the significance of efficient hole extraction in enhancing the solar-to-H2 performance of semiconductor-based heterostructure.

Transition metal single-atoms supported on hexagonal ZnIn2S4 monolayers for the hydrogen evolution reaction

Herein, we report a series of 5d transition metal (TM) single atoms supported on ZIS as promising catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction using first-principles calculations. The binding behaviors of TMs with the ZIS surface in single-atom catalyst formation are analysed using the adsorption energy (Eads), partial density of states (PDOS), charge density difference (CDD), and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP). The TM@ZIS (TM = Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt) shows excellent hydrogen evolution performance with the Gibbs free energy (ΔGH*) values from -0.120 to 0.128 eV. The Tafel and Heyrovsky reaction mechanisms to drive H2 formation are also identified.

Rational Design of Three Dimensional Hollow Heterojunctions for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Applications

The efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is currently limited by poor light adsorption, rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers, and ineffective surface reaction rate. Although heterojunctions with innovative morphologies and structures can strengthen built-in electric fields and maximize the separation of photogenerated charges. However, how to rational design of novel multidimensional structures to simultaneously improve the above three bottleneck problems is still a research imperative. Herein, a unique Cu2O─S@graphene oxide (GO)@Zn0.67Cd0.33S Three dimensional (3D) hollow heterostructure is designed and synthesized, which greatly extends the carrier lifetime and effectively promotes the separation of photogenerated charges. The H2 production rate reached 48.5 mmol g-1 h-1 under visible light after loading Ni2+ on the heterojunction surface, which is 97 times higher than that of pure Zn0.67Cd0.33S nanospheres. Furthermore, the H2 production rate can reach 77.3 mmol g-1 h-1 without cooling, verifying the effectiveness of the photothermal effect. Meanwhile, in situ characterization and density flooding theory calculations reveal the efficient charge transfer at the p-n 3D hollow heterojunction interface. This study not only reveals the detailed mechanism of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution in depth but also rationalizes the construction of superior 3D hollow heterojunctions, thus providing a universal strategy for the materials-by-design of high-performance heterojunctions.

Fabrication of Co3O4@ZnIn2S4 for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution: Insights into the synergistic mechanism of photothermal effect and heterojunction

Integration of photothermal materials and photocatalysts can effectively improve photocatalytic hydrogen production. However, the synergistic mechanism of photothermal effect and heterojunction still need to be deeply investigated. Herein, Co3O4@ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) core-shell heterojunction was constructed as a photothermal/ photocatalytic integrated system for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The photothermal effect induced by Co3O4 boosts the surface reaction kinetic of hydrogen evolution with an apparent activation energy decrease from 42.0 kJ⋅mol-1 to 33.5 kJ⋅mol-1. The photothermal effect also increases the charge concentrations of Co3O4@ZIS, which ameliorates the conductivity of Co3O4@ZIS and thus benefits to charge transfer. In addition, a p-n junction forms between Co3O4 and ZIS and provides a built-in electric field to enhance charge separate and prolong charge life time. Benefiting from the synergy of photothermal effect and heterojunction, the photocatalytic performance of Co3O4@ZIS is significantly improved with a highest hydrogen evolution rate of 4515 μmol⋅g-1⋅h-1, which is about 3.5 times higher than that of pure ZIS. This work offers a full perspective to understand the photothermal/photocatalytic integrated conception for solar hydrogen production.

Synergistic effect of excellent carriers separation and efficient high level energy electron utilization on Bi3+-Ce2Ti2O7/ZnIn2S4 heterostructure for photocatalytic hydrogen production

The separation of photogenerated carriers and the efficient utilization of high-level energy electrons (HLEEs) are the key processes for improving the performance of photocatalysts. Herein, Ce2Ti2O7/ZnIn2S4 (CTOZIS) and Bi3+-doped Ce2Ti2O7/ZnIn2S4 (BCTOZIS) photocatalyst were successfully synthesized through hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic hydrogen production of CTOZIS and BCTOZIS was 1233.7 μmol g-1 and 4168.5 μmol g-1 under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm) within 5 h, which was 2.3 and 7.6 times than that of pure ZnIn2S4, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and electrochemical characterization demonstrated that after Bi3+ doping, the electron-hole pairs recombination of BCTOZIS was inhibited, which may be ascribed to the establishment of a Z-scheme heterojunction and the presence of oxygen vacancy and Ce4+/Ce3+ redox center. The doping of Bi3+ resulted in the adjustment of the valence band position of Ce2Ti2O7 from 1.98 V to 1.92 V. This adjustment enabled direct transfer of HLEEs generated in Ce2Ti2O7 to the conduction band of ZnIn2S4 for hydrogen production with a wavelength below 423 nm. The synergistic effect of conventional Z-scheme electron transfer and the unique utilization of HLEEs boosted the photocatalytic performance of BCTOZIS. This study affords an innovative insight for designing visible-light-driven photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity.

Photothermal Effect- and Interfacial Chemical Bond-Modulated NiOx/Ta3N5 Heterojunction for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction

Photothermal catalysis, which combines light promotion and thermal activation, is a promising approach for converting CO2 into fuels. However, the development of photothermal catalysts with effective light-to-heat conversion, strong charge transfer ability, and suitable active sites remains a challenge. Herein, the photothermal effect- and interfacial N-Ni/Ta-O bond-modulated heterostructure composed of oxygen vacancy-rich NiOx and Ta3N5 was rationally fabricated for efficient photothermal catalytic CO2 reduction. Beyond the charge separation capability conferred by the NiOx/Ta3N5 heterojunction, we observed that the N-Ni and Ta-O bonds linking NiOx and Ta3N5 form a spatial charge transfer channel, which enhances the interfacial electron transfer. Additionally, the presence of surface oxygen vacancies in NiOx induced nonradiative relaxation, resulting in a pronounced photothermal effect that locally heated the catalyst and accelerated the reaction kinetically. Leveraging these favorable factors, the NiOx/Ta3N5 hybrids exhibit remarkably elevated activity (≈32.3 μmol·g-1·h-1) in the conversion of CO2 to CH4 with near-unity selectivity, surpassing the performance of bare Ta3N5 by over 14 times. This study unveils the synergistic effect of photothermal and interfacial chemical bonds in the photothermal-photocatalytic heterojunction system, offering a novel approach to enhance the reaction kinetics of various catalysts.

Integrated Coupling Utilization of the Solar Full Spectrum for Promoting Water Splitting Activity over a CIZS Semiconductor

Most of the existing photocatalysts can only use ultraviolet light and part of visible light, so broadening the spectrum response range and realizing the full spectrum coverage are key measures to improve the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting. A spatially separated photothermal coupled photocatalytic (PTC) reaction system was designed using carbonized melamine foam (C-MF) as a substrate to absorb visible and infrared light and Cu_0.04In_0.25ZnS_y@Ru (CIZS@Ru) as a photocatalyst to absorb UV-visible light (UV-vis). By comparing the three modes of bottom, liquid level, and self-floating, it is found that the surface temperature of the system has a significant effect on the hydrogen evolution activity. The monochromatic light and activation energy experiments verify that the enhancement of photocatalytic activity comes from the strengthened photothermal effect of the substrate. Combined with theoretical calculations, it is further confirmed that the introduction of photothermal materials provides additional kinetic energy for carrier transmission and promotes directional carrier transmission efficiency. Based on the photoenergy-thermal integrated catalytic strategy, the hydrogen production rate reaches 603 mmol h^-1 m^-2. The structural design of photocatalysis has potential application in the field of photoenergy-fuel conversion.

Super-Photothermal Effect-Mediated Fast Reaction Kinetic in S-Scheme Organic/Inorganic Heterojunction Hollow Spheres Toward Optimized Photocatalytic Performance

Using full solar spectrum for energy conversion and environmental remediation is a major challenge, and solar-driven photothermal chemistry is a promising route to achieve this goal. Herein, this work reports a photothermal nano-constrained reactor based on hollow structured g-C₃ N₄ @ZnIn₂ S₄ core-shell S-scheme heterojunction, where the synergistic effect of super-photothermal effect and S-scheme heterostructure significantly improve the photocatalytic performance of g-C₃ N₄ . The formation mechanism of g-C₃ N₄ @ZnIn₂ S₄ is predicted in advance by theoretical calculations and advanced techniques, and the super-photothermal effect of g-C₃ N₄ @ZnIn₂ S₄ and its contribution to the near-field chemical reaction is confirmed by numerical simulations and infrared thermography. Consequently, the photocatalytic degradation rate of g-C₃ N₄ @ZnIn₂ S₄ for tetracycline hydrochloride is 99.3%, and the photocatalytic hydrogen production is up to 4075.65 µmol h^-1 g^-1 , which are 6.94 and 30.87 times those of pure g-C₃ N₄ , respectively. The combination of S-scheme heterojunction and thermal synergism provides a promising insight for the design of an efficient photocatalytic reaction platform.

Janus Z-scheme heterostructure of ZnIn2S4/MoSe2/In2Se3 for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Artificial manipulation of charge separation and transfer are central issues dominating hydrogen evolution reaction triggered via photocatalysis. Herein, through elaborate designing on the architecture, band alignment, and interface bonding mode, a sulfur vacancy-rich ZnIn₂S₄-based (Vs-ZIS) multivariate heterostructure ZnIn₂S₄/MoSe₂/In₂Se₃ (Vs-ZIS/MoSe₂/In₂Se₃) with specific Janus Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism is constructed through a two-step hydrothermal process. Steering by the Janus Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism, photogenerated electrons in the conduction band of MoSe₂ transfer synchronously to the valence band of Vs-ZIS and In₂Se₃, resulting in abundant highly-active photogenerated electrons reserved in the conduction band of Vs-ZIS and In₂Se₃, therefore significantly enhancing the photocatalytic activity of hydrogen evolution. Under visible light irradiation, the optimized Vs-ZIS/MoSe₂/In₂Se₃ with the mass ratio of MoSe₂ and In₂Se₃ to ZnIn₂S₄ at 3 % and 30 %, respectively, performs a high hydrogen evolution rate of 124.42 mmol·g^-1·h^-1, about 43.5-folds of the original ZIS photocatalyst. Besides, an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 22.5 % at 420 nm and favorable durability are also achieved over Vs-ZIS/MoSe₂/In₂Se₃ photocatalyst. This work represents an important development in efficient photocatalysts and donates a sound foundation for the design of regulating charge transfer pathways.

Enhancing Built-in Electric Fields for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Encapsulating C60 Fullerene into Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks

High-efficiency photocatalysts based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are often limited by poor charge separation and slow charge-transfer kinetics. Herein, a novel MOF photocatalyst is successfully constructed by encapsulating C₆₀ into a nano-sized zirconium-based MOF, NU-901. By virtue of host-guest interactions and uneven charge distribution, a substantial electrostatic potential difference is set-up in C₆₀ @NU-901. The direct consequence is a robust built-in electric field, which tends to be 10.7 times higher in C₆₀ @NU-901 than that found in NU-901. In the catalyst, photogenerated charge carriers are efficiently separated and transported to the surface. For example, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaches 22.3 mmol g^-1  h^-1 for C₆₀ @NU-901, which is among the highest values for MOFs. Our concept of enhancing charge separation by harnessing host-guest interactions constitutes a promising strategy to design photocatalysts for efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion.

Two-dimensional nanomaterials: synthesis and applications in photothermal catalysis

Photothermal catalysis, as one of the emerging technologies with synergistic effects of photochemistry and thermochemistry, is highly attractive in the fields of environment and energy. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have received extensive attention toward photothermal catalysis because of their ultrathin layer structures, superior physical and optical properties, and high surface areas. These merits are beneficial for shortening the transfer distance of charge carriers, improving the efficiency of solar to thermal, and providing a great opportunity for the development of photothermal chemistry. In this review, we have summarized the state-of-art advances in various 2D nanomaterials with emphasis on the driving force and relevant mechanism of photothermal catalysis, including the involved three types, namely, localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR), nonradiative relaxation, and thermal vibrations of molecules. Moreover, the synthesis strategies of 2D materials and their photothermal applications in carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion, hydrogen (H₂) production, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) degradation, and water (H₂O) purification have been discussed in detail. Ultimately, the existing challenges and prospects of future development in the field are proposed. It is believed that this review will afford a great reference for the exploration of the high-efficiency 2D nanomaterials and their structure-activity relationship.

Co0.9Co0.1S Nanorods with an Internal Electric Field and Photothermal Effect Synergistically for Boosting Photocatalytic H2 Evolution

The paper reports a strategy to synthesize Cd_0.9Co_0.1S nanorods (NRs) via a one-pot solvothermal method. Remarkably, the pencil-shaped Cd_0.9Co_0.1S NRs with a large aspect ratio and good polycrystalline plane structure significantly shorten the photogenerated carrier transfer path and achieve fast separation. An appropriate amount of Co addition enhances visible light-harvesting and generates a photothermal effect to improve the surface reaction kinetics and increases the charge transfer rate. Moreover, the internal electric field facilitates the separation and transfer of carriers and effectively impedes their recombination. As a result, the optimized Cd_0.9Co_0.1S NRs yield a remarkable H₂ evolution rate of 8.009 mmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹, which is approximately 7.2 times higher than that of pristine CdS. This work improves the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate by tuning and optimizing electronic structures through element addition and using the photothermal synergistic effect.

Morphology engineering and photothermal effect derived from perylene diimide based derivative for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of ZnIn2S4

The construction of excellent photocatalysts for splitting water into hydrogen is highly desirable to realize carbon neutralization. In this work, an innovative and well-designed S-scheme photocatalyst composed of ultrathin ZnIn₂S₄ (ZIS) nanosheets uniformly anchored on the surface of organic semiconductor PDIIM is successfully fabricated. Within the heterojunction, perylene diimide with an imidazole group (PDIIM) is strategically applied as a structure template, which plays a crucial role in optimizing the morphology, increasing the active sites of sulfur vacancies, providing the additional photothermal effect, and promoting photogenerated charge separation of the catalyst. The photocatalytic H₂ generation rate of the ZIS/PDIIM heterojunction with an optimized mass ratio reaches up to 13.04 mmol/g/h, which is 2.64 times and 14.02 times higher than that of pristine ZIS and PDIIM, respectively. The outstanding photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic effect of the above advantages. Importantly, the photothermal effect induced by PDIIM belonging to the perylene diimide-based derivative was discovered to accelerate photocatalytic H₂ generation for the first time. This work provides valuable insight into the utilization of perylene diimide-based derivatives in the construction of multi-effect enhancement photocatalysts and their application in photothermal-assisted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Linking oxidative and reductive clusters to prepare crystalline porous catalysts for photocatalytic CO2 reduction with H2O

Mimicking natural photosynthesis to convert CO₂ with H₂O into value-added fuels achieving overall reaction is a promising way to reduce the atmospheric CO₂ level. Casting the catalyst of two or more catalytic sites with rapid electron transfer and interaction may be an effective strategy for coupling photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and H₂O oxidation. Herein, based on the MOF ∪ COF collaboration, we have carefully designed and synthesized a crystalline hetero-metallic cluster catalyst denoted MCOF-Ti₆Cu₃ with spatial separation and functional cooperation between oxidative and reductive clusters. It utilizes dynamic covalent bonds between clusters to promote photo-induced charge separation and transfer efficiency, to drive both the photocatalytic oxidative and reductive reactions. MCOF-Ti₆Cu₃ exhibits fine activity in the conversion of CO₂ with water into HCOOH (169.8 μmol g⁻¹h⁻¹). Remarkably, experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that photo-excited electrons are transferred from Ti to Cu, indicating that the Cu cluster is the catalytic reduction center.

A crystalline hetero-metallic cluster catalyst based on a covalent organic framework strategy is reported. The catalyst can facilitate both photocatalytic oxidative and reductive reactions leading to efficient production of HCOOH from CO2 and H2O.

The Potential Strategies of ZnIn2S4-Based Photocatalysts for the Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Photocatalysis is a potential strategy to solve energy and environmental problems. The development of new sustainable photocatalysts is a current topic in the field of photocatalysis. ZnIn2S4, a visible light-responsive photocatalyst, has attracted extensive research interest in recent years. Due to its suitable band gap, strong chemical stability, durability, and easy synthesis, it is expected to become a new hot spot in the field of photocatalysis in the near future. This mini-review presents a comprehensive summary of the modulation strategies to effectively improve the photocatalytic activity of ZnIn2S4 such as morphology and structural engineering, defects engineering, doping engineering, and heterojunction engineering. This review aims to provide reference to the proof-of-concept design of highly active ZnIn2S4-based photocatalysts for the enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction.

Dual-Functional Photocatalysis for Cooperative Hydrogen Evolution and Benzylamine Oxidation Coupling over Sandwiched-Like Pd@TiO2 @ZnIn2 S4 Nanobox

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) over semiconductor photocatalysts is usually constrained by the limited light-harvesting and separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Most of the reported systems focusing on PHE are facilitated by consuming the photoinduced holes with organic sacrificial electron donors (SEDs). The introduction of the SEDs not only causes the environmental problem, but also increases the cost of the reaction. Herein, a dual-functional photocatalyst is developed with the morphology of sandwiched-like hollowed Pd@TiO₂ @ZnIn₂ S₄ nanobox, which is synthesized by choosing microporous zeolites with sub-nanometer-sized Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) embedded as the sacrificial templates. The ternary Pd@TiO₂ @ZnIn₂ S₄ photocatalyst exhibits a superior PHE rate (5.35 mmol g^-1 h^-1 ) and benzylamine oxidation conversion rate (>99%) simultaneously without adding any other SEDs. The PHE performance is superior to the reported composites of TiO₂ and ZnIn₂ S₄ , which is attributed to the elevated light capture ability induced by the hollow structure, and the enhanced charge separation efficiency facilitated by the ultrasmall sized Pd NPs. The unique design presented here holds great potential for other highly efficient cooperative dual-functional photocatalytic reactions.

Construction of 2D-layered quantum dots/2D-nanosheets heterostructures with compact interfaces for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The emergence of two dimensional (2D) nanosheets provides flexible platforms for the construction of semiconductor heterostructures for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. However, the compact and conformal contact between the components with different dimensions remains challenge. Herein, we anchor the 2D layered black phosphorous quantum dots (BPQDs) onto the 2D ZnIn₂S₄ nanosheets with sulfur vacancies (V-ZIS). This unique interface between 2D layered QDs and 2D nanosheets ensures a sufficient contact area between the BPQDs and the V-ZIS, which is conducive to the transport and the spatial separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. A synergistic effect of sulfur vacancies and type-Ⅱ heterojunction results in an excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of the BPQDs/V-ZIS composites. The hydrogen evolution rate by the BPQDs/V-ZIS without any noble-metal as cocatalyst is up to 5079 μmol g^-1h^-1 under visible light irradiation with an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 12.03% at 420 nm, which is dramatically higher than most other photocatalysts reported previously.

Interfacial engineering of heterostructured Fe-Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2 nanosheets with tailored d-band center for enhanced oxygen evolution catalysis

The OER catalytic activities of Fe-Ni3S2 nanosheets can be well manipulated by tailoring the d band center positions via interfacial engineering strategy.

Boosting H2 Production over C60 -Mediated NH2 -MIL-125(Ti)/Zn0.5 Cd0.5 S S-Scheme Heterojunction via Enhanced Interfacial Carrier Separation

Improving greatly the separation efficiency of interfacial charge carrier is a major challenge in photocatalysis. Herein, a new class of C₆₀ -mediated NH₂ -MIL-125(Ti)/Zn_0.5 Cd_0.5 S S-scheme heterojunction with enhanced interfacial charge carrier separation is designed and synthesized. The constructed S-scheme heterojunction thermodynamically favors photocatalytic H₂ evolution because of the large driving force resulting from its strong redox abilities. As a consequence, the optimum proportion of C₆₀ -mediated NH₂ -MIL-125(Ti)/Zn_0.5 Cd_0.5 S S-scheme heterojunction displays comparable H₂ evolution activity with a rate of 7825.20 µmol h^-1 g^-1 under visible light irradiation, which is about 93.05 times, 6.38 times and 2.65 times higher than that of 2% C₆₀ /NH₂ -MIL-125(Ti), Zn_0.5 Cd_0.5 S and 45% NH₂ -MIL-125(Ti)/Zn_0.5 Cd_0.5 S, and outperforms the majority of the previously reported MOFs-based photocatalysts. Spectroscopic characterizations and theory calculations indicate that the S-scheme heterojunction can powerfully promote the separation of photogenerated carriers. This work offers a new insight for future design and development of highly active MOFs-based photocatalysts.

ZnIn2 S4 -Based Photocatalysts for Energy and Environmental Applications

As a fascinating visible-light-responsive photocatalyst, zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn₂ S₄ ) has attracted extensive interdisciplinary interest and is expected to become a new research hotspot in the near future, due to its nontoxicity, suitable band gap, high physicochemical stability and durability, ease of synthesis, and appealing catalytic activity. This review provides an overview on the recent advances in ZnIn₂ S₄ -based photocatalysts. First, the crystal structures and band structures of ZnIn₂ S₄ are briefly introduced. Then, various modulation strategies of ZnIn₂ S₄ are outlined for better photocatalytic performance, which includes morphology and structure engineering, vacancy engineering, doping engineering, hydrogenation engineering, and the construction of ZnIn₂ S₄ -based composites. Thereafter, the potential applications in the energy and environmental area of ZnIn₂ S₄ -based photocatalysts are summarized. Finally, some personal perspectives about the promises and prospects of this emerging material are provided.

Hollow core–shell Co9S8@In2S3 nanotube heterojunctions toward optimized photothermal–photocatalytic performance

Hollow core–shell Co9S8@In2S3 photocatalysts show excellent photothermal–photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, which is attributed to unique hollow structure, the successfully constructed heterojunction and core–shell nanostructure.