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Designing approaches to synthesizing nanostructure photocatalysts is crucial to boosting applications in photocatalytic H2 production. Herein, a Z-scheme p–n heterojunction for photocatalytic H2 production was designed and constructed by decorating p-type CoP3 quantum dots on n-type CdZnS nanorods. The flower-like CoP3/CdZnS nanorod assembly benefits from light absorption and full contact with the solution. An internal electric field forms at the interface of the p–n junction, which provides a Z-scheme charge transport path for efficient migration and separation of photogenerated charges. In result, the hydrogen production rate of the CoP3/CdZnS p–n junction is 33 times that of CdZnS. The study provided a novel approach to the synthesis of self-assembled nanostructures of quantum dots on nanorod assemblies that have important applications in photocatalysis for energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) Ag/ZnO assemblies with porous nanosheets as building blocks have been designed and selectively prepared via a facial solution method followed by topological morphology conversion with low temperature calcination. The samples were characterized thoroughly by using XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, N 2 isotherms, UV–vis spectroscopy, PL, EIS, Mott-Schottky plots, and photocurrent response. The as-prepared 3D Ag/ZnO architectures were evaluated as photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and organic pollutants removal from aqueous solution, which demonstrates superior sun-light driven photocatalytic activities to those of ZnO architectures. Nearly 100% photocatalytic degradation of 10 ppm 4-nitrophenol was obtained just for 25 min and 0.4436 mmol g −1 h −1 of hydrogen production rate was achieved over Ag/ZnO architectures. The photocurrent of the Ag/ZnO photoelectrode showed an enhancement of three times of ZnO architectures. The enhanced photocatalytic activity may be attributed to the synergetic effect between 2D ZnO porous single crystalline nanosheets and sliver components, which could not only accelerate separation and migration efficiency of charge carries, but also enhance charge-collection efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The emerging S-scheme heterojunction shows a particular superiority in enhancing the efficiency of charge separation in photocatalyst. Herein, a Ni 11 (HPO 3) 8 (OH) 6 /CdS heterojunctions (NiPO/CdS) are constructed for the first time by loading open framework structure NiPO on the surface of CdS nanoparticles (CdS NPs). The built-in electric field generated at the interface promotes the directional migration of photogenerated electrons from NiPO to CdS. This S-scheme pathway achieves a strong redox capacity and efficient carrier separation. More importantly, the unique triangular and hexagonal channels of NiPO facilitate the exposure of CdS active sites for proton adsorption, H 2 production and escape. The hydrogen evolution rate of NiPO/CdS is 39 mmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation, which is 6.5 times higher than that of pure CdS. The NiPO/CdS heterojunction also exhibits remarkable long-term stability. This study provides a new strategy for the ingenious design of S-scheme photocatalysts with excellent photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Multiple surface/interface engineering is an effective approach to develop efficient electrocatalysts for promoting the practical application of electrocatalysis and achieving carbon neutrality. Herein, a deep eutectic liquid precursor containing phosphorus was designed. The self-supported three-dimensional (3D) cobalt-doped Ni 12 P 5 /Ni 3 P nanowire networks coated with a thin layer of carbon (Co-Ni x P@C) were prepared by using an in-situ one-step pyrolysis method. The as-obtained Co-Ni x P@C hybrid possesses a superaerophobic/superhydrophilic surface, which could promote electrolyte diffusion and enhance bubble release. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Co-doping in Ni x P@C can promote the adsorption and activation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) molecules, and optimize the energy barrier of H* absorption. The self-supported Co-Ni x P@C was used as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for HMF oxidation coupled with hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in a 1.0 M KOH solution. A nearly 100 % yield of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) was achieved. The self-supported Co-Ni x P@C displayed high activity and stability for both HER and HMF conversion. The HMF oxidation coupled with HER can be efficiently driven by a 1.5 V commercial photovoltaic panel under sunlight. This study lays the foundation for large-scale industrialization in sustainable fine-chemical and energy engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • rh/c-In 2 O 3 /CdIn 2 S 4 heterostructure was constructed via in-situ pyrolysis of a liquid deep eutectic solvent precursor. • The nano-flakelets stacking structure provide larger surface area and more active sites. • Fermi level and internal electric field promote higher carrier spatial separation. • The unique S-scheme mechanism achieves enhanced visible-light H 2 production. Narrow band gap semiconductors have attracted more attention in photocatalytic. It is still a challenge to design heterojunction photocatalysts with efficient visible-light-harvesting and high redox ability water splitting hydrogen fuel production. Herein, a ternary heterojunction of rhombic phase In 2 O 3 (rh-In 2 O 3)/cubic phases In 2 O 3 (c-In 2 O 3) homojunction combined CdIn 2 S 4 (rh/c-IO/CIS) was designed and constructed via in-situ pyrolysis of a liquid precursor. The as-synthesized rh/c-IO/CIS heterojunction exhibits a nanoplate structure composed of multilayers of tightly coupled ultrathin flakelets. The nanoflakelets stacking structure endows abundant exposed active sites and efficient visible-light-harvesting. Experimental results show rh/c-IO/CIS heterojunction follows a S-scheme mechanism proving high charge separation efficiency and strong redox capability. Thus, the catalyst exhibits excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. The hydrogen evolution rate can get 4.7 mmol·g−1·h−1, it is 3.6 folds and 7.8 folds higher than that of CdIn 2 S 4 and rh/c-In 2 O 3. This work provides a new tack for rational design and fabrication of photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen energy production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New thermodynamically favorable HER route can be realized on protonated g-C 3 N 4. • S-scheme protonated g-C 3 N 4 QDs/V O -ZnO hybrid was prepared as efficient photocatalyst. • S-scheme fabrication promotes V O generation in ZnO and protonation of g-C 3 N 4 QDs. • V O at hybrid interface significantly facilitates S-scheme electron transfer. • Protonated edge N atom was the main active sites in low energy barrier HER process. Traditional photocatalytic hydrogen evolution path with high energy barrier of proton adsorption limits the reaction efficiency. Specific regulation on active site to realize low energy barrier hydrogen generation provides a new perspective. In this work, an innovative low barrier route is provided on protonated N of g-C 3 N 4 of S-scheme protonated g-C 3 N 4 quantum dots/ZnO hybrid rich in oxygen vacancies (p-CNQDs/V O -ZnO). V O generated by quantum dots doping optimizes the electron structure of S-scheme, whereas the intensive electron directional transmission in S-scheme promotes protonation of p-CNQDs. Profited from the synergies of thermodynamic and dynamic, protons and electrons concentrate at edge-active N accomplish the efficient photocatalytic HER with a 117-fold elevated H 2 evolution. This work provides more possibilities for designing low energy pathway and efficient catalyst in H 2 evolution reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]