Construction of ZrC@ZnIn2S4 core–shell heterostructures for boosted near-infrared-light driven photothermal-assisted photocatalytic H2 evolution

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Vol. 474; p. 145690
• Main Authors: Shi, Weilong, Chen, Zhouze, Lu, Jialin, Sun, Xinhai, Wang, Ziyang, Yan, Yujie, Guo, Feng, Chen, Lizhuang, Wang, Guangzhao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.10.2023
• Subjects: Near-infrared; photocatalytic H2 evolution; Photothermal-assisted; ZnIn2S4; ZrC; ZrC; photocatalytic H2 evolution; Photothermal-assisted; ZnIn2S4; Near-infrared
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.145690

[Display omitted] •LSPR of ZrC is excited by NIR light to generate hot electrons and interacts with holes to produce photothermal effect.•Construction of core–shell ZrC@ZIS heterostructure prevents heat loss and increases the temperature of the reaction system.•Metallic ZrC broadens the photo-absorption of ZIS in the NIR range.•Difference in work function, the electrons of ZrC will spontaneously transfer to the ZIS and form a Schottky barrier.•ZrC not only prevented agglomeration of ZIS nanosheets, but also enhanced the specific surface area and the active site. The development of an efficient photocatalyst to make full use of sunlight, especially near-infrared light (NIR), remains a significant challenge in the field of photocatalysis research. Herein, an efficient photothermal-assisted photocatalytic H2 production system was constructed over the ZrC@ZnIn2S4 (ZrC@ZIS) core–shell heterostructure by a simple water bath method for realizing the photocatalytic H2 production rate of reached 32.87 μmol g-1h−1 and photothermal conversion efficiency of 43.54% under NIR irradiation (λ > 800 nm). Thermodynamically, the photothermal effect produced by the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of metallic ZrC particles reduces the activation energy of the reaction and makes the reaction going forward in the ZrC@ZIS composite system. Kinetically, the formation of Schottky junction accelerates the photo-generated carrier transfer and separation and facilitates the photocatalytic water splitting into H2 production. This study provides a feasible idea for NIR-driven photothermal-assisted photocatalytic H2 evolution though the efficient utilization of solar energy.