One‐Pot MOFs‐Encapsulation Derived In‐Doped ZnO@In₂O₃ Hybrid Photocatalyst for Enhanced Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

The development of visible‐light‐induced photocatalysts is one of the critically important issues because it offers a green and sustainable route for solar energy conversion. Herein, In‐doped ZnO@In2O3 hybrid photocatalysts are designed and constructed through a one‐pot metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs)‐encapsulation‐derived method. The photocatalytic activity of the sample photocatalysts is systematically investigated by photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation. The composition of the hybrid photocatalysts is also controlled to find the best photocatalytic activities. Interestingly, using a visible‐light irradiation source, the optimized In‐doped ZnO@In2O3 photocatalyst shows an H2 evolution rate of 417 µmol∙g−1∙h−1, which is nearly 20 times higher than that of the In‐doped ZnO sample and also exceeds most ZnO‐based catalysts ever reported. The enhanced catalytic performance is ascribed to the increased visible‐light response and enhanced charge separation efficiency by the synergistic effects of electron‐trapped In doping and electron‐donated In2O3 coupling. This work presents a promising pathway for fabricating MOFs‐encapsulation derived visible‐light‐driven composites for high photocatalytic performance towards hydrogen evolution.

High-performance self-powered ultraviolet photodetector based on a ZnO/CuPc inorganic/organic heterojunction

“…It can be seen that due to the absorption of high-energy photons, electrons in the valence band of ZnO and CuPc are excited to reach the conduction band as photogenerated carriers, enriching the types of carriers and further increasing the carrier concentration of the device. 21,22 Therefore, the performances of devices based on ZnO are signicantly improved by utilizing the introduction of CuPc. Importantly, once reaching thermal equilibrium condition, an interface depletion region will be formed in the heterojunction structure composed of p-type CuPc and ntype ZnO, and the built-in electric eld formed will bend the energy band at the interface, ultimately providing motivation for carrier transport.…”

Biological Renewable Cellulose-Templated Zn1–XCuXO/Ag2O Nanocomposite Photocatalysts for the Degradation of Methylene Blue

“…However, the wider band gap and higher recombination rates of the photogenerated charge carriers hinder its photocatalytic activity under visible light . Hence, the modification of ZnO with different techniques such as doping or heterojunction formation to inhibit the photogenerated charge carrier recombination rates and expand the visible light absorption ranges have been reported. − According to previous reports, doping with copper is the best technique to improve photocatalytic efficiencies because of its unique interaction properties with ZnO . In addition to doping, heterojunction formation with different semiconductors has been also reported. − Among them, the p-type Ag 2 O semiconductor is a promising candidate due to its narrow band gap energy and facile preparation method .…”

“… 21 Hence, the modification of ZnO with different techniques such as doping or heterojunction formation to inhibit the photogenerated charge carrier recombination rates and expand the visible light absorption ranges have been reported. 22 − 24 According to previous reports, doping with copper is the best technique to improve photocatalytic efficiencies because of its unique interaction properties with ZnO. 25 In addition to doping, heterojunction formation with different semiconductors has been also reported.…”

Push–Pull Engine─Electron Pumping by Anchored Ligands over ZnO/C: Boosting Photo-Fenton-Like Catalysis without Additional Oxidants

“…Since its inception by Honda and Fujishima, heterogeneous photocatalysis has been attributed to the photogenerated charges (excitons). − Therefore, efficient photocatalysis relies on enhanced exciton generation, their effective diffusion to the external surface, and subsequent transfer to reactants at the interface. , As a surface phenomenon, the catalytic performance of heterogeneous photocatalysts is intricately linked to the accessibility of reactants to the active surface sites. , Taking this into consideration, a metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived metal-oxide nanocomposite, referred to as ZnO/C HNMs, was developed by us . In this catalyst, ZnO nanoparticles are evenly dispersed within a hierarchically assembled mesoporous carbon matrix.…”