MoS2/Zn3In2S6 composite photocatalysts for enhancement of visible light-driven hydrogen production from formic acid

Synergistic effect between sulfur vacancies and S-scheme heterojunctions in WO3/VS-Zn3In2S6 for enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction in H2O vapor

Converting CO2 into CO, CH4, and other hydrocarbons using solar energy presents a viable approach for addressing energy shortages. In this study, photocatalysts with S-deficient WO3/Zn3In2S6 (WO3/VS-ZIS) S-scheme heterojunctions have been successfully synthesized. Under UV-vis light irradiation, 20 %WO3/VS-ZIS demonstrated significantly improved CO2 reduction activity and CH4 selectivity. Detailed characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the enhanced performance is due to the synergistic optimization of the S-scheme heterojunction and sulfur vacancies (VS) for CO2 reduction. The presence of VS aids in the adsorption and activation of CO2 and enhances the separation of charge carriers. The 2D/2D S-scheme heterostructure assembled with WO3 nanosheets not only accelerates the migration and separation of photoexcited charge carriers but also improves the adsorption of H2O and the formation of VS, thereby increasing the adsorption and activation of CO2 and facilitating the protonation of CO* to produce CH4. This study clarifies the synergistic effect of VS and S-scheme heterostructures in improving photocatalytic performance, offering valuable insights into the photoactivation process of CO2 at VS in S-scheme heterojunctions.

Lattice Defects and Electronic Modulation of Flower-Like Zn3In2S6 Promote Photocatalytic Degradation of Multiple Antibiotics

Photocatalysis is an effective technique to remove antibiotic residues from aquatic environments. Typical metal sulfides like Zn3In2S6 have been applied to a wide range of photocatalytic applications. However, there are currently no readily accessible methods to increase its antibiotic-degrading activity. Here, a facile hydrothermal approach is developed for the preparation of flower-like Zn3In2S6 with tunable sulfur lattice defects. Photogenerated carriers can be separated and transferred more easily when there is an adequate amount of lattice defects. Moreover, lattice defect-induced electronic modulation enhances light utilization and adsorption properties. The modified Zn3In2S6 demonstrates outstanding photocatalytic degradation activity for levofloxacin, ofloxacin, and tetracycline. This work sheds light on exploring metal sulfides with sulfur lattice defects for enhancing photocatalytic activity.

Solar-Driven Biomass Reforming for Hydrogen Generation: Principles, Advances, and Challenges

Hydrogen (H2) has emerged as a clean and versatile energy carrier to power a carbon-neutral economy for the post-fossil era. Hydrogen generation from low-cost and renewable biomass by virtually inexhaustible solar energy presents an innovative strategy to process organic solid waste, combat the energy crisis, and achieve carbon neutrality. Herein, the progress and breakthroughs in solar-powered H2 production from biomass are reviewed. The basic principles of solar-driven H2 generation from biomass are first introduced for a better understanding of the reaction mechanism. Next, the merits and shortcomings of various semiconductors and cocatalysts are summarized, and the strategies for addressing the related issues are also elaborated. Then, various bio-based feedstocks for solar-driven H2 production are reviewed with an emphasis on the effect of photocatalysts and catalytic systems on performance. Of note, the concurrent generation of value-added chemicals from biomass reforming is emphasized as well. Meanwhile, the emerging photo-thermal coupling strategy that shows a grand prospect for maximally utilizing the entire solar energy spectrum is also discussed. Further, the direct utilization of hydrogen from biomass as a green reductant for producing value-added chemicals via organic reactions is also highlighted. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of photoreforming biomass toward hydrogen are envisioned.

The construction of S-scheme heterostructure in ultrathin WS2/Zn3In2S6 nanosheets for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Metal sulfide based photocatalysts are considered to be economic, environmentally benign and renewable. The rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes and low solar energy utilization efficiency, however, remain a huge bottleneck. Herein, two-dimensional/two-dimensional (2D/2D) S-scheme WS2/Zn3In2S6 heterostructure with ultrathin nanosheets intervening between neighboring component has been designed. The large and intimate S-scheme heterojunctions facilitate interfacial charge separation/transfer and optimize the available redox potential. Besides, the ultrathin 2D/2D heterostructure ensures large specific surface area, maximized interface synergistic interaction, and effective exposure of surface active sites. As a result, 2 wt% WS2/Zn3In2S6 exhibits a high photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 30.21 mmol·g-1·h-1 under simulated solar light illumination with an apparent quantum efficiency of 56.1% at 370 nm monochromatic light, far exceeding pristine Zn3In2S6 (6.65 mmol·g-1·h-1). Our work underscores the significance of integrating morphology engineering and S-scheme heterojunctions design for high-efficient and low-cost photocatalysts.

Study on Photochemical Properties of a Sr-SnS2/CaIn2S4 Heterostructure to Improve Cr(VI) Removal

Compound semiconductor photocatalysis technology is considered to be a promising treatment for solving water problems efficiently. The point of designing high-efficiency catalysts is to optimize the band gap structure and facilitate the separation of charge carriers by establishing new electron migration pathways. Recently, 3D porous CaIn2S4 was found to have good photocatalytic ability. However, the quick recombination and agglomeration of carriers still limit its application. Herein, we prepared a heterostructure by introducing 2D Sr-doped SnS2 to 3D CaIn2S4 by a hydrothermal synthesis method. The optimal dosage of Sr-SnS2 is 3%, and the photocatalytic Cr(VI) removal efficiency of 3% Sr-SnS2/CaIn2S4 (SSCS-3) is 5.82 and 10.83 times those of pure CaIn2S4 and SnS2, respectively. According to the results of characterization tests and calculation verification, we inferred that the enhanced photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) is due to the introduction of Sr-SnS2 that can promote the rapid transfer of photogenerated electrons to the surface of CaIn2S4, and the heterostructure formed between 2D Sr-SnS2 and 3D CaIn2S4 can also provide abundant reaction sites. The promotion of carrier separation is mainly due to the formation of a built-in electric field of the Sr-SnS2/CaIn2S4 heterostructure. This work provides new ideas and technologies for the treatment of Cr(VI) in wastewater.

2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Photocatalysis

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), a rising star in the post-graphene era, are fundamentally and technologically intriguing for photocatalysis. Their extraordinary electronic, optical, and chemical properties endow them as promising materials for effectively harvesting light and catalyzing the redox reaction in photocatalysis. Here, we present a tutorial-style review of the field of 2D TMDs for photocatalysis to educate researchers (especially the new-comers), which begins with a brief introduction of the fundamentals of 2D TMDs and photocatalysis along with the synthesis of this type of material, then look deeply into the merits of 2D TMDs as co-catalysts and active photocatalysts, followed by an overview of the challenges and corresponding strategies of 2D TMDs for photocatalysis, and finally look ahead this topic.

Laser Ablation Nanoarchitectonics of Au-Cu Alloys Deposited on TiO2 Photocatalyst Films for Switchable Hydrogen Evolution from Formic Acid Dehydrogenation

The regulation of H₂ evolution from formic acid dehydrogenation using recyclable photocatalyst films is an essential approach for on-demand H₂ production. We have successfully generated Au-Cu nanoalloys using a laser ablation method and deposited them on TiO₂ photocatalyst films (Au _x Cu_100-x /TiO₂). The Au-Cu/TiO₂ films were employed as photocatalysts for H₂ production from formic acid dehydrogenation under light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation (365 nm). The highest H₂ evolution rate for Au₂₀Cu₈₀/TiO₂ is archived to 62,500 μmol h^-1 g^-1 per photocatalyst weight. The remarkable performance of Au₂₀Cu₈₀/TiO₂ may account for the formation of Au-rich surfaces and the effect of Au alloying that enables Cu to sustain the metallic form on its surface. The metallic Au-Cu surface on TiO₂ is vital to supply the photoexcited electrons of TiO₂ to its surface for H₂ evolution. The rate-determining step (RDS) is identified as the reaction of a surface-active species with protons. The results establish a practical preparation of metal alloy deposited on photocatalyst films using laser ablation to develop efficient photocatalysts.

Molybdenum Disulfide-Based Nanomaterials for Visible-Light-Induced Photocatalysis

Visible-light-responsive photocatalytic materials have a multitude of important applications, ranging from energy conversion and storage to industrial waste treatment. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and its variants exhibit high photocatalytic activity under irradiation by visible light as well as good stability and recyclability, which are desirable for all photocatalytic applications. MoS₂-based materials have been widely applied in various fields such as wastewater treatment, environmental remediation, and organic transformation reactions because of their excellent physicochemical properties. The present review focuses on the fundamental properties of MoS₂, recent developments and remaining challenges, and key strategies for tackling issues related to the utilization of MoS₂ in photocatalysis. The application of MoS₂-based materials in visible-light-induced catalytic reactions for the treatment of diverse kinds of pollutants including industrial, environmental, pharmaceutical, and agricultural waste are also critically discussed. The review concludes by highlighting the prospects of MoS₂ for use in various established and emerging areas of photocatalysis.

Activated MoS2 by Constructing Single Atomic Cation Vacancies for Accelerated Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Regulating the electronic structure of MoS2 by constructing cationic vacancies is an effective method to activate and improve its intrinsic properties. Herein, we synthesize the MoS2-based composite with abundant single atomic Mo cation vacancies through uniformly loading nickel-cobalt-Prussian blue analogues (NiCoPBA) (NiCoPBA-MoS2-VMo) by immersing a single Ni atom-decorated MoS2 (Ni-MoS2) into K3[Co(CN)6] solution. Subsequently, NiCoP-MoS2-VMo with improved conductivity is obtained by phosphating the composite as a high-efficiency hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst. Experiments and theoretical calculations indicate that the electrons of NiCoP are spontaneously transferred to the substrate MoS2-VMo nanosheets in NiCoP-MoS2-VMo, and the moderately oxidized NiCoP is beneficial to the adsorption of OH*. Meanwhile, the mono-atomic Mo cation vacancies of the catalyst modulate the electronic structure of S, optimizing the adsorption of hydrogen in the reaction process. Therefore, NiCoP-MoS2-VMo has enhanced chemical adsorption for H* (on MoS2-VMo) and OH*(on NiCoP), expediting the water-splitting step and HER catalysis, and benefiting from the regulation of the electronic structure induced by the construction of metallic Mo vacancies in MoS2, the as-prepared catalyst displays an overpotential of only 67 mV at 10 mA cm-2 with long-term stability (no current decay over 20 h). This work affords not only a kind of efficient HER catalysts but also a new valuable route for developing inexpensive and high-performance catalysts with single atomic cation vacancies.

MoS2 as a Co-Catalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production: A Mini Review

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), with a two-dimensional (2D) structure, has attracted huge research interest due to its unique electrical, optical, and physicochemical properties. MoS₂ has been used as a co-catalyst for the synthesis of novel heterojunction composites with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production under solar light irradiation. In this review, we briefly highlight the atomic-scale structure of MoS₂ nanosheets. The top-down and bottom-up synthetic methods of MoS₂ nanosheets are described. Additionally, we discuss the formation of MoS₂ heterostructures with titanium dioxide (TiO₂), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), and other semiconductors and co-catalysts for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation. This review addresses the challenges and future perspectives for enhancing solar hydrogen production performance in heterojunction materials using MoS₂ as a co-catalyst.

Efficient H2 evolution on Co3S4/Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanocomposite by photocatalytic synergistic reaction

To achieve high photocatalytic efficiency of H2 evolution, promoting the utilization rate of photogenerated charge carriers by photocatalytic synergistic reaction is an efficient strategy. In this work, Co3S4/Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanocomposites with...

Robust visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution on 2D RGO/Cd0.15Zn0.85In2S4–Ni2P hierarchitectures

Unique 2D ternary hierarchitectures constructed from reduced graphene oxide nanosheets grown with ultrathin Cd0.15Zn0.85In2S4 nanosheets and Ni2P nanoparticles exhibited an outstanding capability for visible-light photocatalytic H2 production.

Cocatalysts from types, preparation to applications in the field of photocatalysis

With the rapid development of society, the burden of energy and the environment is becoming more and more serious. Photocatalytic hydrogen production, the photosynthesis of organic fuel, and the photodegradation of pollutants are three effective ways to reduce these burdens using semiconductor photocatalysts. To improve the reaction efficiency of photocatalysts, a small amount of cocatalyst is often added when photocatalysts participate in the synthesis or decomposition reaction. The addition of this small amount of cocatalyst is like a finishing touch, significantly increasing the activity of the photocatalysts. However, in our common study of photocatalysis, we often pay attention to the study of photocatalysts but ignore the study of cocatalysts. Herein, we summarize the recent application research on cocatalysts in the field of photocatalysis, starting from the types, preparation methods, and reaction mechanisms among others, to remind researchers of the matters needing attention when using cocatalysts.

Photocatalytic selective H2release from formic acid enabled by CO2captured carbon nitride

The selective decomposition of formic acid (FA) traditionally needs to be carried out under high temperature with the noble metal-based catalysts. Meanwhile, it also encounters a separation of H₂and CO₂for pure H₂production. The photocatalytic FA dehydrogenation under mild conditions can meet a growing demand for sustainable H₂generation. Here, we reported a photocatalytic selective H₂release from FA decomposition at low temperature for pure H₂production by Pt/g-C₃N₄. Low-cost and easy-to-obtained urea was utilized to produce carbon nitride as the metal-free semiconductor photocatalyst, along with a photodeposition to obtain Pt/g-C₃N₄. The electrochemical evidences clearly demonstrate the photocatalytic activity of Pt/g-C₃N₄to produce H₂and CO₂in one-step FA decomposition. And, the impedance is the lowest under simulated solar light of 70 mW cm^-2with a faster electron transfer kinetic. Under simulated solar light, H₂production rate is up to 1.59 mmol · h^-1· g^-1for FA with concentration at 2.65 mol l^-1, 1700 000 times larger than that under visible light and 1928 times under ultraviolet (UV) light. DFT calculations further elucidate that nitrogen (N) active site at the g-C₃N₄has an excellent adsorption towards CO₂molecule capture. Then, H₂molecules are selectively released to simultaneously separate H₂and CO₂in solution. Platinum (Pt) at Pt/g-C₃N₄as the catalytic site contributes into the acceleration of H₂production.

BiOBr/MoS2 catalyst as heterogenous peroxymonosulfate activator toward organic pollutant removal: Energy band alignment and mechanism insight

Utilization of heterogenous catalysts to trigger peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation is considered an efficient strategy for environmental decontamination. Herein, a tightly bonded flake-like 2D/2D BiOBr/MoS₂ heterojunction was successfully designed through co-precipitation process. By virtue of matched energy levels and intimate interfacial coupling, the Type-II BiOBr/MoS₂ heterojunction significantly expedited charge carrier transfer and thereby promoted the catalytic performance for organic dye oxidation and Cr(VI) reduction. The specially designed BiOBr/MoS₂ heterojunction is also conducive to split PMS and continuously generated highly active species (SO₄^-, OH and O₂^-) in a photo-Fenton system, achieving extraordinary catalytic capacity for various emerging organic pollutants (including phenol, bisphenol A and carbamazepine). The photoexcited electron with prolonged lifetime and exposed Mo sites with multivalence and multiphase nature can effectively activate PMS, which further promotes the oxidation efficiency of holes, as confirmed by scavenging experiments. The excellent stability and oxidative properties could justify scale up using BiOBr/MoS₂ to a small pilot test, implementing the potential value in practical applications. This study would provide novel insight and cognition of PMS activation via a superior heterojunction for complex polluted wastewater treatment.