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A superlattice interface and S-scheme heterojunction for ultrafast charge separation and transfer in photocatalytic H2 evolution

Author

Listed:
  • Sijie Wan

    (Wuhan University of Technology
    Wuhan University of Technology)

  • Wang Wang

    (Wuhan University of Technology
    Wuhan University of Technology)

  • Bei Cheng

    (Wuhan University of Technology
    Wuhan University of Technology)

  • Guoqiang Luo

    (Wuhan University of Technology
    Wuhan University of Technology)

  • Qiang Shen

    (Wuhan University of Technology
    Wuhan University of Technology)

  • Jiaguo Yu

    (China University of Geosciences)

  • Jianjun Zhang

    (China University of Geosciences)

  • Shaowen Cao

    (Wuhan University of Technology
    Wuhan University of Technology)

  • Lianmeng Zhang

    (Wuhan University of Technology
    Wuhan University of Technology)

Abstract

The rapid recombination of photoinduced charge carriers in semiconductors fundamentally limits their application in photocatalysis. Herein, we report that a superlattice interface and S-scheme heterojunction based on Mn0.5Cd0.5S nanorods can significantly promote ultrafast charge separation and transfer. Specifically, the axially distributed zinc blende/wurtzite superlattice interfaces in Mn0.5Cd0.5S nanorods can redistribute photoinduced charge carriers more effectively when boosted by homogeneous internal electric fields and promotes bulk separation. Accordingly, S-scheme heterojunctions between the Mn0.5Cd0.5S nanorods and MnWO4 nanoparticles can further accelerate the surface separation of charge carriers via a heterogeneous internal electric field. Subsequent capture of the photoelectrons by adsorbed H2O is as fast as several picoseconds which results in a photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 54.4 mmol·g−1·h−1 without any cocatalyst under simulated solar irradiation. The yields are increased by a factor of ~5 times relative to control samples and an apparent quantum efficiency of 63.1% at 420 nm is measured. This work provides a protocol for designing synergistic interface structure for efficient photocatalysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Sijie Wan & Wang Wang & Bei Cheng & Guoqiang Luo & Qiang Shen & Jiaguo Yu & Jianjun Zhang & Shaowen Cao & Lianmeng Zhang, 2024. "A superlattice interface and S-scheme heterojunction for ultrafast charge separation and transfer in photocatalytic H2 evolution," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-53951-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53951-6
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