Synergistical photo-thermal-catalysis of Zn2GeO4:xFe3+ for H2 evolution in NaBH4 hydrolysis reaction.

Herein, we reported the systematic investigation of synergistic photo-thermal-catalysis for NaBH 4 hydrolysis reaction based on zinc orthogermanate. A series of Zn 2 GeO 4 : x Fe3+ ( x = 0 to 0.10) catalysts were prepared via solvothermal method. The H 2 evolution experiments demonstrated that the photogenerated holes trap OH− not only shifted the equilibrium of NaBH 4 hydrolysis reaction toward the direction of H 2 evolution, but also inhibited the recombination of photogenerated carriers. With the remarkable photo-thermal synergism for the as-prepared catalysts, the H 2 evolution rate in photo-thermal-driven condition had witnessed several times higher than that in mono-energy driven condition. The catalysts remained stable after circulation tests. [Display omitted] • First study on conventional photocatalyst for H 2 evolution in NaBH 4 hydrolysis reaction • Photogenerated holes a crucial role in NaBH 4 hydrolysis reaction • The mechanism of synergistically photo-thermal-catalytic effect was proposed and verified by deuterium labeling method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]