Noble-metal-free Bi-OZIS nanohybrids for sacrificial-agent-free photocatalytic water splitting: With long-lived photogenerated electrons

• Published in: Separation and purification technology 2025-05, Vol.357, p.130047, Article 130047
• Main Authors: Tang, Wen, Luo, Linxiu, Chen, Yong, Li, Jian, Dai, Yuhua, Xie, Yu, Ma, Yongcun, Zhang, Jiansheng, Zhang, Yifan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bismuth spheres; Oxygen doping; Photocatalytic water splitting; Sacrificial-agent-free; ZnIn2S4
• ISSN: 1383-5866
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2024.130047

•x%Bi-OZIS nanohybrids enable hydrogen evolution without sacrificial agents.•Oxygen doping extends carrier lifespan, enhancing photocatalytic efficiency.•A remarkable 170.22μmol g-1h−1 is achieved for the 10 %Bi-OZIS sample. The production of hydrogen via the hydrogen evolution reaction, reliant on the use of valuable sacrificial agents, is not conducive to large-scale photocatalytic hydrogen generation. A more pragmatic approach involves the creation of catalyst materials free from noble metals, which possess enduring photogenerated electrons suitable for catalyzing hydrogen evolution from undiluted water. In our research, x%Bi-OZIS nanohybrids were effectively synthesized. Remarkably, the hydrogen evolution rate for the 10 %Bi-OZIS sample reached 170.22 μmol g-1h−1, marking an enhancement of 11.8 times over pure ZIS and 3.7 times over OZIS, achieved without resorting to sacrificial agents. Notably, post-light exposure, H2O2 presence was identified in the water solution. The strategy of substituting some of the sulfur with oxygen doping extends the lifespan of the photogenerated carriers. Further, the introduction of Bi spheres onto the OZIS nanosheet surfaces substantially reduces electron-hole interband recombination. These adaptations collectively augment the photogenerated electron lifespan in x%Bi-OZIS nanohybrids, leading to heightened photocatalytic redox proficiency. This research outlines a method for devising an economical solar-driven water splitting mechanism devoid of sacrificial agents.