Carbon dots bridged Zn0.5Cd0.5S with interfacial amide bond facilitating electron transfer for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production.

Photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production has gained significant attention as an environmentally friendly approach. The key is to explore efficient photocatalysts with sufficient active sites and excellent electron transfer capacity. Herein, we propose a novel approach by incorporating carbon dots (CDs) on ethylenediamine capped Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S, which was bridged with an interfacial amide bond. Smooth transfer of photoinduced electrons from Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S to carbon dots via a high-speed electron channel is afforded by interfacial amide bond. A remarkable H 2 O 2 yield with a rate of 252 μmol/h and an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 31 % at 400 nm is achieved. Photoelectrochemical analysis and density function theory (DFT) calculation reveal CDs with abundant oxygenous functional groups as active sites, boosting activity and selectivity. This interfacial engineering strategy with the acceleration of electrons transfer and enhanced 2e- selectivity can be applied to advanced photocatalytic systems for the achievement of valuable organics, environmental purification and new energy carriers. [Display omitted] • Carbon dots bridged Zn 0.5 Cd 0.5 S with interfacial amide bond was fabricated. • Amide bond enables smooth electron transfer to O 2 reduction center of carbon dots. • A 34-fold enhancement of H 2 O 2 production was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]