Maximizing charge dynamics in ZnIn2S4/CN Van der Waals heterojunction for optimal hydrogen production from photoreforming of glucose

Abstract

Biomass photoreforming stands out as a promising avenue for green hydrogen, leveraging solar energy for the generation and transformation of clean and renewable energy resources. The pursuit of efficient photocatalysts is motivated by the unsatisfied hydrogen evolution performance arising from the complex and stubborn structure of biomass. Herein, we loaded 2-dimensional (2D) ZnIn2S4 onto 2D carbon nitride nanosheets, resulting in the formation of Van der Waals (VDW) heterojunctions (ZIS/CN). Band structure and morphology of CN were rationally tailored through precursor engineering to effectively magnify interfacial internal electric field and minimize diffusion pathway within the VDW heterostructure, realizing optimal charge dynamics in ZIS/DCN. As a result, intensified H2 generation was achieved, which was 350 times higher than pure DCN and outperformed ZIS at the same unit mass. This work offers design principles for VDW heterostructured photocatalysts and accelerates the transition towards a more sustainable manner in biomass reforming.