Hydrogen-bonded organic framework derived ultra-fine ZnCdS/ZnS heterojunction with high-porosity for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

• Published in: Applied surface science 2024-06, Vol.657, p.159795, Article 159795
• Main Authors: Liu, Sanmei, Wang, Wen, Shi, Shunli, Liao, Sheng, Zhong, Minli, Xiao, Weiming, Wang, Shuhua, Wang, Xuewen, Chen, Chao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: High-porosity; Metal hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks; Photocatalytic hydrogen; Ultra-fine; ZnCdS/ZnS heterojunction
• ISSN: 0169-4332
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.159795

The metal hydrogen-bonded framework derived ZnCdS/ZnS heterojunction possesses ultra-fine unit particles and high porosity structure, thus exhibiting superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance (1.68 mmol/h). [Display omitted] •Ultra-fine ZnCdS/ZnS heterojunction with high-porosity is fabricated via M-HOF.•The unit particle size and surface area of ZnCdS/ZnS are only 5 nm and up to 320 m2 g−1, respectively.•The ultra-fine size and high porosity improves separation efficiency of charge carrier.•The ZnCdS/ZnS heterojunction achieves superior photocatalytic HER of 1.68 mmol h−1. The introduction of metal complex units makes it possible to expand the functional applications of metal hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (M-HOFs). An M-HOFs-templated strategy was developed to construct ultra-fine ZnCdS/ZnS heterojunction with high-porosity for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production. Due to the weak and feasible hydrogen-bonding interactions, the nonmetallic units on HOFs can be quickly replaced by S2− in aqueous solution and derived into porous sulfides without pyrolysis process. Surprisingly, the surface area of ZnCdS/ZnS heterojunction was up to 320 m2 g−1. The ultra-fine heterojunction with high porosity offered more surface reaction sites and shortened carrier transport distance, improving separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. The size and structure-dependent properties of ZnCdS/ZnS heterojunction exhibited excellent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate, which was 1.68 mmol h−1 without cocatalyst. This study provides a novel strategy for constructing ultra-fine heterojunction with high porosity and high surface area to achieve efficient H2 evolution.