2D-MOF/2D-MOF heterojunctions with strong hetero-interface interaction for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

• Published in: Rare metals 2023-12, Vol.42 (12), p.3993-4004
• Main Authors: Ma, Yan, Fang, Hui-Xue, Chen, Rong, Chen, Qian, Liu, Sheng-Jun, Zhang, Kui, Li, Hai-Jin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomaterials; Catalytic activity; Chemistry and Materials Science; Electromagnetic absorption; Electron transfer; Energy; Heterojunctions; Heterostructures; Hydrogen evolution; Hydrogen production; Materials Engineering; Materials Science; Metal-organic frameworks; Metallic Materials; Nanoscale Science and Technology; Nanostructure; Original Article; Photocatalysis; Physical Chemistry
• ISSN: 1001-0521; 1867-7185
• DOI: 10.1007/s12598-023-02387-w

Metal organic framework (MOF) shows great potential in the research field of photocatalysis, and it is a big challenge to achieve efficient photocatalytic activity. In this work, we have successfully grown two-dimensional MOF (2D-MOF) nanosheets on 2D-MOF nanosheets for the first time using a homometallic nodal strategy, and successfully prepared ultrathin nanosheets with tightly bound 2D/2D heterojunctions. 2D Ni-BDC nanosheets were used as carriers to grow 2D Ni-TCPP nanosheets on top of them. Ni-TCPP has a high light absorption capacity, thus extending the light absorption range of 2D/2D heterojunctions. The tight coupling of the heterojunction effectively shortens the electron transfer distance, promotes the separation of interfacial charges, and improves the photocatalytic activity. Particularly, Ni-BDC/Ni-TCPP-3 can achieve to a hydrogen production rate of 428.0 μmol·g −1 , approximately 5.75 times higher than Ni-BDC and 5.24 times higher than Ni-TCPP, respectively. Thus, 2D-MOF/2D-MOF heterojunctions provide a promising strategy for enhancing photocatalytic performance through rational heterostructure design with homometallic node strategy. Graphical abstract