Boosted photoconversion of SF 6 over defective ZnGa 2 O 4 nanosheets under mild conditions

• Published in: Sustainable energy & fuels Vol. 8; no. 9; pp. 1918 - 1923
• Main Authors: Zhu, Shan, Zhao, Yue, Ma, Fengxiang, Yin, Yue, Shi, Weijia, Zhu, Feng, Fan, Wenya, Du, Peijin, Ding, Jinyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 30.04.2024
• ISSN: 2398-4902; 2398-4902
• DOI: 10.1039/D4SE00324A

In the context of sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) photoreduction, the impact of defects has been shown to produce contradictory results. To address this, we have chosen to utilize two-dimensional materials as ideal models for our investigation. Owing to their high specific surface area and high atomic exposure ratio, we can comprehensively assess how defects affect the three processes involved in SF 6 photoreduction. We have successfully fabricated oxygen-deficient ZnGa 2 O 4 nanosheets and confirmed their existence through electron spin resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra. By examining UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra, time-resolved fluorescence emission decay spectra, and BET surface area, we have observed that the oxygen defects aid in expanding the capabilities of photoabsorption and facilitating carrier separation. Consequently, the oxygen-deficient ZnGa 2 O 4 nanosheets demonstrate an enhanced SF 6 photoconversion performance compared to the ZnGa 2 O 4 nanosheets. In short, this research highlights the significance of introducing defects into photocatalysts to optimize crucial photocatalytic steps, resulting in improved SF 6 photoreduction performance.