Innovative Synthesis Research Articles

Silica aerogel-filled polymer foams by emulsion-templating: One-pot synthesis, hierarchical architecture and thermal conductivity

The ability of combining different material chemistries to obtain hybrids with a hierarchical architecture is an emerging trend in materials engineering. In this article, we report on co-continuous organic–inorganic macro-mesoporous hybrid materials in which a Si-aerogel network is homogeneously intertwined with a macroporous polymer network, creating an architectural hierarchy. The main thrust of this manuscript is an innovative one-pot synthesis strategy that uses hydrosol-in-oil HIPEs (high internal phase emulsions) as structural templates, where polymerization of monomers in the external phase and hydrolytic condensation of tetramethyl orthosilicate in the internal phase occur simultaneously. The molecular and porous structures as well as thermal and mechanical properties are described and discussed in detail. The resulting multicomponent monoliths yield a hierarchically porous system with pronounced macro-mesoporosity and a specific surface area that increases from 5 m2·g−1 for the bare polyHIPE structure to as high as 242 m2·g−1 for the hybrid structure. The incorporation of Si-aerogel in the polyHIPE lowers its thermal conductivity to 27 mW·m−1·K−1, a value lower than that of commercial high-performance insulators such as superthermally insulating Styrofoam. The Si-aerogel content also affects the mechanical properties. The compressive modulus of the hybrid polyHIPEs increases with Si-aerogel content from 20 MPa for bare polyHIPEs to 98 MPa for the polyHIPEs with the highest Si-aerogel content.

Innovation synthesis of NiS quantum dots modified CdS/WO3 heterostructures as high-efficiency bifunctional photocatalysts for construction of visible light driven Z-scheme water-splitting and Cr (VI) degradation

Solar-driven water splitting and pollution treatment have aroused the researchers’ considerable attention for further developing and applying clean energies. Herein, to be inspired by artificial photosynthesis, we designed and constructed direct Z-Scheme system by using multi-dimensional catalysts. CdS (1D nanorod)/WO3 (2D nanosheet) direct Z-Scheme heterostructures were prepared by the chemical in-situ growth combining with physical electrostaticadsorption method, meanwhile, NiS (0D quantum dots) were loaded on CdS surface acting as cocatalyst. It was found that the NiS-CdS/WO3 (NCW) Z-scheme photocatalyst could efficiently utilize solar spectrum, furthermore, photogenerated carriers separated and transferred quickly under the effect of built-in electric field in the space charge region. Accordingly, NCW10 showed an outstanding photocatalytic activity on H2 production rate of 70.73 mmol·h−1·gcat-1 and Cr(VI) degradation rate of 33.3 μmol·h−1·gcat-1, which is about 7 times and 4.2 times higher than those of reference CdS, respectively. Thereby, this noble-metal-free Z-scheme heterostructures exhibit a high apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 24.83% at 420 nm and long-term stability. This modified synthesized method optimizes the structure and property of photocatalyst, in addition, the further interpretation for carrier charge transfer mechanism of direct Z-Scheme catalyst would provide reference and guidance for the selection and development of solar-conversion system.

High‐entropy alloy catalysts: From bulk to nano toward highly efficient carbon and nitrogen catalysis

AbstractHigh‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted widespread attention as both structural and functional materials owing to their huge multielement composition space and unique high‐entropy mixing structure. Recently, emerging HEAs, either in nano or highly porous bulk forms, are developed and utilized for various catalytic and clean energy applications with superior activity and remarkable durability. Being catalysts, HEAs possess some unique advantages, including (1) a multielement composition space for the discovery of new catalysts and fine‐tuning of surface adsorption (i.e., activity and selectivity), (2) diverse active sites derived from the random multielement mixing that are especially suitable for multistep catalysis, and (3) a high‐entropy stabilized structure that improves the structural durability in harsh catalytic environments. Benefited from these inherent advantages, HEA catalysts have demonstrated superior catalytic performances and are promising for complex carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycle reactions featuring multistep reaction pathways and many different intermediates. However, the design, synthesis, characterization, and understanding of HEA catalysts for C‐ and N‐involved reactions are extremely challenging because of both complex high‐entropy materials and complex reactions. In this review, we present the recent development of HEA catalysts, particularly on their innovative and extensive syntheses, advanced (in situ) characterizations, and applications in complex C and N looping reactions, aiming to provide a focused view on how to utilize intrinsically complex catalysts for these important and complex reactions. In the end, remaining challenges and future directions are proposed to guide the development and application of HEA catalysts for highly efficient energy storage and chemical conversion toward carbon neutrality.

Single-step green synthesis of gold conjugated polyphenol nanoparticle using extracts of Saudi’s myrrh: Their characterization, molecular docking and essential biological applications

The progress in the innovative nanocrystal synthesis process by using environmentally benign and low-priced nontoxic chemicals, solvents, and renewable sources remains a challenging task for researchers worldwide. The majority of the existing synthesis techniques engage in the potentially dangerous, for either human health or the environment. Current investigation has been centered on green synthesis processes to create novel nanomaterials, which are eco-friendly as well as safer for sustainable marketable feasibility. The current work provides the green synthesis method for gold nanoparticle (GNPs) synthesis using Commiphora myrrh (C.myrrh) extract. This simple method includes 6 ml of HAuCl4·3H2O treated with 4 ml C.myrrh extract having pH 4.5 after 80 min at 25 °C temperature. In this novel method, green synthesized GNPs characterized by UV–Vis, X_ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), zeta potential, fourier transform infrared (FT_IR), high_resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR_TEM), energy dispersive X_ray spectroscopy (EDXA), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). During the development successful antioxidant assay, the DPPH assay was applied. The cell toxicity of green synthesized GNPs was evaluated following an MTT assay against HCT-116 (colon cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer).Besides molecular docking in the δ-elemene for inhibitor to VEGFR‐2 domain revealed more negative docking score (−3.976) which is an excellent binding affinity to the C.myrrh@GNP. The synthesized GNPs showed antidiabetic, antibiotic, and antibacterial properties and anti_inflammatory inhibition against inhibiting COX-1, and COX-2 enzymes. In addition, molecular docking by Lindestrene (−3.806) and Furanoeudesma-1,3-dien (−3.912) against COX1 and COX2 respectively showed strong binding affinity. The molecular docking study evidenced the anti-inflammatory and cell toxicity study.

An Innovative Inverse Source Approach for the Feasibility-Driven Design of Reflectarrays

The design of feasible surface currents in reflectarray (RA) antenna is addressed. By exploiting the nonuniqueness of the associated inverse source problem, an innovative synthesis method is proposed to simultaneously match radiation requirements and constraints on the surface currents. First, the surface current of the RA is expressed as the linear combination of a “preimage” term, which is computed with a truncated singular value decomposition of the RA radiation operator, and a suitable “null-space” component. A customized multiagent global optimization is applied to set the latter. A set of numerical experiments, concerned with different RA apertures and radiation objectives, are presented to illustrate the features of the proposed approach as well as to assess its potentialities and current limitations.

Research on Transformation Methods of Scientific and Technological Achievements from the Perspective of Innovation Ecology

The transformation of scientific and technological achievements has ushered in new opportunities and shown new characteristics. On the basis of analyzing the characteristics of innovation ecosystem, this paper puts forward the main mechanism of innovation ecosystem enabling the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, constructs the innovation ecological model of the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, defines the innovation subject and innovation environment of the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and puts forward three core mechanisms of innovation ecosystem supporting the transformation of scientific and technological achievements. By constructing the colleges and universities, enterprises, science and technology intermediary, new research and development institutions, and other areas of innovation alliance, combined with the industry needs in the field of strategy will contend for layout construction of a batch of new research and development institutions, creating innovative synthesis as the core of innovation and improve cluster innovation environment, make the transformation of scientific and technological achievements from accidental sporadic events qualitative to batch convert "rainforest effect".

SYNTHETIC AND BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF STUDYING THE PROPERTIES OF 1,2,4-TRIAZOLE DERIVATIVES

1,2,4-triazoles belong to a well-known сlass of heterocyclic compounds that are of both theoretical and practical interest. This class has been known for about 100 years, and in recent decades 1,2,4-triazoles have become one of the most attractive objects of research in the chemistry of heterocyclic compounds due to their unique properties. Recently, a considerable number of innovative synthesis methods have been developed and interesting modification of chemical variations has been proposed, for example, a three-component reaction of aryldiazonium salts with fluorinated diazoreagents and nitriles, or a combination of a fragment of 1,2,4-triazole with coumarins or naphthalene-substituted compounds in one combined molecule, and so on. As a result, scientists have obtained new derivatives of 1,2,4-triazoles with a certain number of structural features that contribute to the production of promising substances with antimicrobial, antifungal, antitubercular, antioxidant, antitumor effects, etc. These derivatives are used not only in the medical and veterinary sphere, but also in the agricultural and industrial sectors. They have found their application as dyes, corrosion inhibitors, photosensitizers, fungicides, plant growth regulators, etc. The aim of our work was to analyze and summarize the known literature data on new synthetic approaches to the production of new derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole and systematize information related to the biological properties of these compounds.

A qualitative exploration of the contributions of Polio Eradication Initiative to the Nigerian health system: policy implications for polio transition planning

BackgroundThe Nigerian health care system is weak due to lack of coordination, fragmentation of services by donor funding of vertical services, dearth and poor distribution of resources, and inadequate infrastructures. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has supported the country’s health system and provided strategies and skills which need to be documented for use by other health programs attempting disease control or eradication. This study, therefore, explored the contributions of the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) activities to the operations of other health programs within the Nigerian health system from the perspectives of frontline workers and managers.MethodsThis cross-sectional qualitative study used key informant interviews (KIIs) and inductive thematic analysis. Twenty-nine KIIs were conducted with individuals who have been involved continuously in PEI activities for at least 12 months since the program's inception. This research was part of a more extensive study, the Synthesis and Translation of Research and Innovations from Polio Eradication (STRIPE), conducted in 2018. The KII tool focused on four major themes: work experience in other health programs, similarities and differences between polio programs and other health programs, contributions of polio programs, and missed opportunities for implementing polio lessons. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic framework.ResultsThe implementation of the PEI has increased health promotion activities and coverage of maternal and child health interventions through the development of tangible and intangible resources, building the capacities of health workers and discovering innovations. The presence of a robust PEI program within a weakened health system of similar programs lacking such extensive support led to a shift in health workers' primary roles. This was perceived to reduce human resources efforts in rural areas with a limited workforce, and to affect other programs' service delivery.ConclusionThe PEI has made a notable impact on the Nigerian health system. There should be hastened efforts to transition these resources from the PEI into other programs where there are missed opportunities and future control programs. The primary health care managers should continue integration efforts to ensure that programs leverage opportunities within successful programs to improve the health of the community members.

Atomically dispersed dual‐metal‐site PGM‐free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction: Opportunities and challenges

AbstractAtomically dispersed and nitrogen coordinated single metal site (MNx, M = Fe, Co, or Mn) moieties embedded in partially graphitized carbon (denoted as M–N–C) are recognized as the most promising platinum group metal‐free catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, simply regulating their coordination environments and local structures of single metal sites cannot fundamentally change active site structure, which leads to insufficient activity and stability. A second transition metal can be incorporated to design dual‐metal sites, offering a new opportunity to modulate the electronic and geometric structures of M–N–C catalysts. Therefore, exploring optimal atomically dispersed dual‐metal‐site is essential to designing new active sites with enhanced ORR activity, and stability, especially breaking the activity‐stability trade‐off. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the advances in developing atomically dispersed dual‐metal site catalysts for the ORR, including innovative synthesis methods, primary structural configurations, and the mechanisms to promote catalytic performance. We aim to elucidate the crucial structure–property correlation, emphasizing the inherent electronic and geometric effects of dual metal sites. Finally, we discuss the current challenges of dual‐metal site catalysts concerning rational design, precise synthesis, and high‐fidelity structural characterization.

Recent Advances in Perovskite Catalysts for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

Hydrogen is considered a promising clean energy vector with the features of high energy capacity and zero-carbon emission. Water splitting is an environment-friendly and effective route for producing high-purity hydrogen, which contains two important half-cell reactions, namely, the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). At the heart of water splitting is high-performance electrocatalysts that efficiently improve the rate and selectivity of key chemical reactions. Recently, perovskite oxides have emerged as promising candidates for efficient water splitting electrocatalysts owing to their low cost, high electrochemical stability, and compositional and structural flexibility allowing for the achievement of high intrinsic electrocatalytic activity. In this review, we summarize the present research progress in the design, development, and application of perovskite oxides for electrocatalytic water splitting. The emphasis is on the innovative synthesis strategies and a deeper understanding of structure–activity relationships through a combination of systematic characterization and theoretical research. Finally, the main challenges and prospects for the further development of more efficient electrocatalysts based on perovskite oxides are proposed. It is expected to give guidance for the development of novel non-noble metal catalysts in electrochemical water splitting.

An innovative medical image synthesis based on dual GAN deep neural networks for improved segmentation quality

An innovative medical image synthesis based on dual GAN deep neural networks for improved segmentation quality

Trends in Artificial Interior Lighting in the 2020s

The purpose of the study is to review and analyze the current state of the market of lighting fixtures for interior use, identify and describe trends and directions in the market of lighting fixtures for interiors, group them into major categories and give some predictions on the practical integration of innovation in design projects.
 The research methodology is based on the analysis of literature sources and sources on the Internet, systematization and organization of graphic materials. Scientific novelty. The typology of lighting fixtures for interior use is comprehensively considered. A simple and easy-to-use classification of interior lighting is offered, which allows both professionals in the field of interior design and non-specialists to programmatically and consciously equip the interior with lighting fixtures for maximum comfort and practicality. Current trends in the market of lighting fixtures for interior use have been identified, described and analyzed. The results have been grouped into five main categories, each with visual examples. Conclusions. The role of artificial lighting in the interior is fundamental and decisive in the further perception of space. Identified trends and their knowledge will help practitioners and theorists of interior design to successfully integrate innovative trends and capabilities of modern lighting in their projects. Environmental friendliness and economy, automation and optimization, flexibility and adaptability, mobility and portability, and synthesis of retro and innovation are the main categories that include the current state and the vector of innovation in the market of modern interior lighting. Knowledge of traditions, understanding and application of proven laws and canons allows experimenting more boldly with innovations in the projects for practising designers and achieve more expressive and effective results in their work.

Bifunctional imidazolium/amine polymer foams: One-pot synthesis and synergistic promotion of CO2 sorption

Amines and imidazolium are well-known functional groups in carbon dioxide capture applications because of their excellent interactions with CO2, but their combination and possible synergistic effects when combined in polymer foams have not yet been considered. This work reports an innovative one-pot water-mediated synthesis of bifunctional imidazolium/amine microcellular polymer foams containing tunable ratios of these functions by combining the Radziszewski multicomponent reaction and high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) polymerization in a one-pot manner. The resulting polymer foams have unique textural and structural properties exhibiting rapid CO2 sorption kinetics with good capacities and excellent ability to selectively capture CO2 from the gas mixture in spite of their low specific surface. The bifunctional amine/imidazolium foams showed superior CO2 capture performances compared to their monofunctional counterparts, indicating the synergy between the functional groups. Comparison with the corresponding non-porous bulk materials also proved that the imidazolium/amine bifunctionality must be incorporated in a highly porous morphology to beneficiate from efficient and fast CO2 uptake. The marked influence of both the amine/imidazolium ratio and the nature of the imidazolium counteranion on CO2 capture capacity under dry and humid conditions is demonstrated, as well as the outstanding multicyclic capture performance.

Designing Multicomponent Metal–Organic Frameworks with Hierarchical Structure-Mimicking Distribution for High CO2 Capture Performance

By utilizing a mixed-ligand strategy, a novel multicomponent Cu-metal-organic framework (MOF) (JLU-MOF107) has been successfully synthesized. JLU-MOF107 has an unusual hierarchical structure-mimicking distribution structure. The triangular 4,4',4″-benzene-1,3,5-triyl-tribenzoate (BTB) ligand and the binuclear Cu cluster form a threefold interpenetration layer, while the linear ligand 1,4-phenylene-4,4'-bis(1,2,4-triazole) (p-tr2ph) and tetranuclear Cu cluster form a noninterpenetration pillared-layer structure. Then, the two types of layers are connected by tetranuclear Cu clusters to construct the final sandwichlike framework. JLU-MOF107 exhibits good water and humidity stability. Due to the presence of various active sites and pores, JLU-MOF107 shows an outstanding performance for CO2 capture (171.0 cm3 g-1 at 273 K). Density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations further prove the interactions between CO2 molecules and multiple active sites. The innovative synthesis of this multicomponent structure offers a new perspective on making hierarchical porous materials and multifunctional MOFs.

Accurately Localizing Multiple Nanoparticles in a Multishelled Matrix Through Shell-to-Core Evolution for Maximizing Energy-Storage Capability.

Robust and fast lithium energy storage with a high energy density is highly desired to accelerate the market adoption of electric vehicles. To realize such a goal requires the development of electrode materials with a high capacity, however, such electrode materials suffer from huge volume expansion and induced short cycling life. Here, using tin (Sn) as an example, an ideal structure is designed to effectively solve these problems by separately localizing multiple Sn nanoparticles in a nitrogen-doped carbon hollow multishelled structure with duplicated layers for carbon shell (Sn NPs@Nx C HoMS-DL). The fabricated composite can promote ion and electron diffusion owing to the conductive network formed by connected multiple shells and cores, effectively buffer the volume expansion, and maintain a stable electrode-electrolyte interface. Despite the challenging fabrication, such a structure is realized through an innovative and facile synthesis strategy of "in situ evolution of shell to core", which is applicable for diverse low-melting-point materials. As expected, such a structure enables the high-capacity electrode material to realize nearly its theoretical lithium-storage capability: the developed Sn NPs@Nx C HoMS-DL electrode maintains 96% of its theoretical capacity after 2000 cycles at 2C.

Formulation and Characterization of Stimuli-Responsive Lecithin-Based Liposome Complexes with Poly(acrylic acid)/Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and Pluronic® Copolymers for Controlled Drug Delivery.

Polymer–liposome complexes (PLCs) can be efficiently applied for the treatment and/or diagnosis of several types of diseases, such as cancerous, dermatological, neurological, ophthalmic and orthopedic. In this work, temperature-/pH-sensitive PLC-based systems for controlled release were developed and characterized. The selected hydrophilic polymeric setup consists of copolymers of Pluronic®-poly(acrylic acid) (PLU-PAA) and Pluronic®-poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PLU-PD) synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The copolymers were incorporated into liposomes formulated from soybean lecithin, with different copolymer/phospholipid ratios (2.5, 5 and 10%). PLCs were characterized by evaluating their particle size, polydispersity, surface charge, capacity of release and encapsulation efficiency. Their cytotoxic potential was assessed by determining the viability of human epithelial cells exposed to them. The results showed that the incorporation of the synthesized copolymers positively contributed to the stabilization of the liposomes. The main accomplishments of this work were the innovative synthesis of PLU-PD and PLU-PAA by ATRP, and the liposome stabilization by their incorporation. The formulated PLCs exhibited relevant characteristics, notably stimuli-responsive attributes upon slight changes in pH and/or temperature, with proven absence of cellular toxicity, which could be of interest for the treatment or diagnosis of all diseases that cause some particular pH/temperature change in the target area.

Study of the spontaneous nano-emulsification process with different octadecyl succinic anhydride derivatives

Three new amphiphilic molecules were synthetized on a basis of a common monomer, octadecyl succinic anhydride (OSA), on which were grafted different PEGylated hydrophilic polar head. The objective of this study is to investigate a potential relationship between the chemical structure of the surfactant, and the efficiency to generate nano-emulsions through the spontaneous nano-emulsification method. Beyond the innovative synthesis and comparison of these amphiphiles, a comprehensive comparison is suggested, comparing size distribution and polydispersity for the different composition parameters, as well making a bridge with critical micelle concentration and hydrophile lipophile balance (HLB). Using OSA monomeric entity as common hydrophobic moiety, the variations in the surfactant molecules were done on the hydrophilic moiety, through the addition of one or two Jeffamine chains in different configurations, so-called C18⊖-PEG, C18-PEG and C18-PEG2. The results disclosed that C18⊖-PEG allows producing smallest size distribution and lowest PDI values. Moreover, C18⊖-PEG presents the highest critical micellar concentration, linked to a higher hydrophilicity of the molecule. This impacts the balance between surfactant affinity for oil and aqueous phases, a point probably related to the spontaneous emulsification efficiency. A last part of the study regarded the optimization of the emulsification efficiency, through a systematic study in ternary composition map, to disclosed that the best conditions are included in the lower surfactant concentrations, for water and oil contents higher and lower than 50%, respectively. The main idea behind this study was to bring further insights into the unclear relationship between the chemical structure of nonionic surfactants, and the efficiency of the emulsification by spontaneous low-energy method.

An innovative green synthesis approach of chitosan nanoparticles and their inhibitory activity against phytopathogenic Botrytis cinerea on strawberry leaves

Green synthesis is a newly emerging field of nanobiotechnology that offers economic and environmental advantages over traditional chemical and physical protocols. Nontoxic, eco-friendly, and biosafe materials are used to implement sustainable processes. The current work proposes a new biological-based strategy for the biosynthesis of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) using Pelargonium graveolens leaves extract. The bioconversion process of CNPs was maximized using the response surface methodology. The best combination of the tested parameters that maximized the biosynthesis process was the incubation of plant extract with 1.08% chitosan at 50.38 °C for 57.53 min., yielding 9.82 ± 3 mg CNPs/mL. Investigation of CNPs by SEM, TEM, EDXS, zeta potential, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and DSC proved the bioconversion process's success. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of the biosynthesized CNPs was screened against a severe isolate of the phytopathogenic Botrytis cinerea. CNPs exerted efficient activity against the fungal growth. On strawberry leaves, 25 mg CNPs/mL reduced the symptoms of gray mold severity down to 3%. The higher concentration of CNPs (50 mg/mL) was found to have a reverse effect on the infected area compared with those of lower concentrations (12.5 and 25 mg CNPs/mL). Therefore, additional work is encouraged to reduce the harmful side effects of elevated CNPs concentrations.

Innovative synthesis of polytitanium chloride by electrodialysis: Identification of Ti-based hydroxyl polymers and coagulation performance

Biocompatibility of titanium (Ti) and recycling of the coagulated sludge to produce functional nanoparticles make the popularization of Ti-based coagulants highly attractive. Slow alkaline titration (SAT) method was commonly used to synthesize polytitanium coagulants, but cannot control the formation of dominant flocculation species due to the fast hydrolysis. We propose the innovative preparation of Ti-based coagulants by electrodialysis (ED) to control the directional transfer of electrons and regulate the rate of the micro-interface reaction. An efficient polytitanium chloride (PTC) was successfully prepared by ED method with TiCl4 as precursor, denoted as E-PTC. Results from electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) proved the generation of the Ti-based hydroxyl polymers with various degrees of polymerization benefiting from the controllable migration of ions during ED process. The predominant Ti-based species changed from the small/median polymers to the large ones with increasing ED period. This was evidenced by Ti-Ferron assay that high Tib (34.35%) and Tic (47.05%) fractions were obtained in E-PTC after 8 h of ED period. The resulting E-PTC had stronger coagulation capability for both surface water and municipal wastewater treatment than the conventional ones. Compared with the conventional Al-based and Fe-based coagulants, E-PTC achieved 15% to 30% higher removal of organic matter, and produced the flocs with larger size, faster growth rate, better dewaterability, stronger strength and recoverability. This study provided the efficient ED method for the preparation of Ti-based coagulants with superior flocculation performance.

Efficient splitting of alcohols into hydrogen and C–C coupled products over ultrathin Ni-doped ZnIn2S4 nanosheet photocatalyst

Integrating selective organic synthesis with hydrogen (H2) evolution in one photocatalytic redox reaction system sheds light on the underlying approach for concurrent employment of photogenerated electrons and holes towards efficient production of solar fuels and chemicals. In this work, a facile one-pot oil bath method has been proposed to fabricate a noble metal-free ultrathin Ni-doped ZnIn2S4 (ZIS/Ni) composite nanosheet for effective solar-driven selective dehydrocoupling of benzyl alcohol into value-added C–C coupled hydrobenzoin and H2 fuel, which exhibits higher performance than pure ZIS nanosheet. The remarkably improved photoredox activity of ZIS/Ni is mainly attributed to the optimized electron structure featuring narrower band gap and suitable energy band position, which facilitates the ability of light harvesting and photoexcited charge carrier separation and transfer. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that it is feasible to employ ZIS/Ni for various aromatic alcohols dehydrocoupling to the corresponding C–C coupled products. It is expected that this work can stimulate further interest on the establishment of innovative photocatalytic redox platform coupling clean solar fuels synthesis and selective organic conversion in a sustainable manner.