Microwave‐Induced Metal Dissolution Synthesis of Core–Shell Copper Nanowires/ZnS for Visible Light Photocatalytic H₂ Evolution

Abstract

A microwave-induced metal dissolution strategy is developed for in situ synthesis of copper nanowires/ZnS (CuNWs/ZnS) hybrids with core-shell structure. The CuNWs are used as microwave antennas to create local "super-hot" surfaces to further initiate ZnS crystallization with full coverage on CuNWs. With the help of S 2− , the hot metal surface further results in the CuNWs dissolution with promoted Cu + diffusion and incorporation into the ZnS lattice. With the narrowed bandgap of ZnS and the strongly coupled interface between CuNWs and ZnS created by microwaves, the as-prepared hybrid composites exhibit an enhanced activity and stability in visible light for the photocatalytic H 2 evolution. The corresponding H 2 evolution rate reaches up to 10722 µmol h −1 g −1 with apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 69% under 420 nm LED irradiation, showing a remarkably high AQE among the noblemetal free visible light-driven photocatalysts and demonstrating a promising potential in practical applications to deal with the energy crisis.

Surface defect engineering of mesoporous Cu/ZnS nanocrystal-linked networks for improved visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen production

“…ZnS-based heterostructures have been proved as efficient catalysts for chemical energy conversion due to the band bending at the junction interface, which provides effective transfer and separation of the photogenerated charge carriers. 14 Furthermore, the multi-componential nature of these materials can enhance the overall catalytic efficiency due to the spatial separation of reduction and oxidation active sites on the surface of different componentsthe excited electrons can participate in reduction reactions on one surface while the holes can be consumed by the oxidation reaction at a separate surface. Therefore, the rational design of nanocomposite catalysts with desired morphologies and appropriate electronic band structures is critically important to achieve a more stable and enhanced photocatalytic performance.…”

Electronic metal–support interaction modulates single-atom platinum catalysis for hydrogen evolution reaction

“…H ydrogen has emerged as a green and sustainable fuel to meet the demand for future global energy [1][2][3] . Nowadays the majority of hydrogen is still produced from steamreformed methane, which is derived from limited fossil resources and greatly increases CO 2 emission.…”

MOFs Conferred with Transient Metal Centers for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

“…[1] Water splitting by solar light has been emerging as a attractive route for the production of hydrogen as a clean energy source. [2] Among the large variety of photocatalysts explored, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with tunable porous structures and band gaps represent a promising class of material candidates for photocatalytic hydrogen production. [3] MOF-based photocatalysts are generally constructed from metal-oxo clusters and organic linkers.…”