Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Performance Research Articles

Surface sulphur vacancies of CdS/MIL-68(In)–NH2 for Boosting Visible-Light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The incorporation of sulfur vacancies (SVs) during the synthesis of CdS represents an essential approach for enhancing its photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. The CdS/MIL-68(In)–NH2 photocatalytic material with SVs was successfully synthesized via a facile two-step method and employed for visible light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Among various loading ratios, the CdS(30)/MIL-68(In)–NH2 composite exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance, demonstrating hydrogen evolution rates 3.7 times and 7.3 times higher than those of pure CdS and mechanically mixed CdS with MIL-68(In)–NH2, respectively, while maintaining significant photocatalytic stability. The incorporation of MIL-68(In)–NH2 effectively enhanced the dispersion of CdS particles, thereby increasing the availability of active sites for efficient photocatalytic reactions. Moreover, the presence of SVs on the surface of CdS served as electron trapping levels, significantly improving charge separation efficiency. This study not only provides novel insights into fabricating composite photocatalysts but also explores a defect engineering regulation strategy.

Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution using dual templates of sulfur-doped carbon nitride

The band structure of semiconducting photocatalysts plays a crucial role in determining their charge carrier transport characteristics and photocatalytic activity. In this work, a simple method to modulate the band structures of carbon nitride by infusing dopants and porous materials is experimentally demonstrated. A combination of trithiocyanuric acid and ammonium chloride to calcinate in an air environment, sulfur dopants and a significant amount of porosity are infused into carbon nitride concurrently. The sulfur-doped and porous carbon nitride material shows remarkable performance in photocatalytic hydrogen production, achieving a maximum hydrogen evolution rate of 4516.84 μmol g−1 h−1. Furthermore, infusion of sulfur dopants and abundant porous into carbon nitride allows for substantial and continuous tuning of the conduction and valence band positions. The band structures modulation enhanced the optical absorption in visible light region, making it suitable for efficient solar energy conversion. The findings of this work are feasible to pave a foundation for future clean energy technology.

Perovskite Quantum Dots for Solar Cells and Beyond

Halide perovskite solar cells have witnessed great successes recently while their instability is a big hurdle for practical application. Herein we discuss our recent progress in addressing the stability of perovskite solar cells, including introduction of capping layers to improve the stability against moisture and heat, and perovskite size engineering to suppress phase segregation. In particular, quantum dots (QDs) have the advantages of quantum confinement effect, defect-tolerant nature, and processability for flexible devices. We discuss a new surface ligand engineering strategy in designing new hybrid perovskite QDs with controllable compositions and sizes The QDs have been used as building blocks in quantum dot solar cells delivering a certified record efficiency of 16.6% with excellent long-term operation stability. By using QDs as light absorbing materials, the QD based photocatalysts also exhibited good stable performance in photocatalytic hydrogen production. The combination of perovskite QDs with Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) materials to form new composites led to ultrastable photoluminescent property for > 10,000 hours. The integration of perovskite solar cells and rechargeable batteries have led to a single module type rechargeable solar batteries with an overall storable solar energy conversion efficiency of >12%.

Photoinduced interface activation strategy for enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of plasmonic nano Bi/Ni based metal-organic framework

Photoinduced interface activation strategy for enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of plasmonic nano Bi/Ni based metal-organic framework

Insight of indium single atom loading on TiO2 for remarkable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Hydrogen production by photocatalysis water splitting is an attractive and promising development method, but the current efficiency is too low for application. Loading single atoms can significantly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency, however, the insightful understanding of the impact of single atom loading on catalytic performance is still ambiguous. In this work, InSA/TiO2 photocatalysts modified with indium single atom (InSA) were synthesized by photo-deposition process. Under 300W Xe lamp illumination, the hydrogen production rate of the optimized InSA/TiO2 photocatalyst achieves 6.11 mmol g−1 h−1, which is 7.6 times that of TiO2 prepared under the same conditions. The results of characterization analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that some of the Ti atoms on the TiO2 surface are replaced by the doped In, and the local electronic structures of the photocatalyst are regulated, which results in effectively separating of the photo-generated carriers, and significant increasing the activity of the surrounding unsaturated oxygen, thus, the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance is effectively improved. This work provides a strategy to improve photocatalytic activity, and also deepens the understanding of metal single atom modification mechanism.

Influence mechanism of ZnCdS solid solution composition regulation on its energy band and photocatalytic hydrogen performance

The regulation of the band structure is crucial for the improvement of the photocatalytic performance, but the relationship between the composition of solid solution catalyst and their band structure is still unclear. Herein, the solid solution catalysts ZnxCd1-xS (1 > x > 0) were designed and synthesized using a handy solid-phase thermal decomposition strategy. It is interesting that the band structure and photocatalytic hydrogen production (PHP) performance of the obtained solid solution catalyst can be cleverly regulated by controlling the atomic ratio of the solid solution. Among the obtained series of ZnxCd1-xS solid solution catalysts, the optimal solid solution catalysts Zn0.5Cd0.5S exhibits the best PHP activity and favorable cycle stability: the corresponding PHP rate is 41211.2 μmol·h−1·g−1 and the QE value is 7.7 % at 400 nm. The outstanding photocatalytic hydrogen production performance is the result of significantly narrowing the band gap of sulfide solid solution. Additionally, the effective separation and transfer rate of photogenerated carrier has also been improved effectively. The construction of bimetallic sulfide solid solution photocatalyst via an ingenious solid-state thermal decomposition strategy in this work provided a new idea for improving the photocatalytic performance of bimetallic catalysts.

MOF-derived hollow octahedral CoxP/MOF-801 p-n heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

Hydrogen energy produced through photocatalytic water splitting is widely recognized as a viable solution to the depletion of non-renewable energy resources and ecological contamination concerns. This work designed and synthesized the MOF-derived hollow octahedral CoxP/MOF-801 p-n heterojunction photocatalyst. According to the result of hydrogen production test, the hydrogen production amount of CoxP/MOF-801-2 could reach 25.31 mmol g−1 under light irradiation for 5 h. The hollow octahedral structure and p-n heterojunction of the photocatalyst helped to enhance the light trapping ability and promote carrier transfer, resulting in improved performance of photocatalytic hydrogen production. To sum up, the design of hollow octahedral CoxP/MOF-801 photocatalyst effectively improved the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance.

Tuning Stark effect by defect engineering on black titanium dioxide mesoporous spheres for enhanced hydrogen evolution

Defects can strongly affect the lattice, strain, and electronic structures of nanomaterials photocatalysts, like a double-edged sword of both positive significance and negative influence on photocatalytic performances. To date, most studies into defects only partially elucidated their beneficial or detrimental roles in photocatalysis. However, a quantitative understanding of the photocatalytic performances modulated by defect concentration still needs to be discovered. Here, a series of TiO2−X mesoporous spheres (MS) with different oxygen vacancy concentrations for photocatalytic applications were prepared by high-temperature chemical reduction. The link between oxygen vacancy concentration and photocatalytic performance was successfully established. The localization of carriers dominated by the Stark effect is first enhanced and then weakened with increasing oxygen vacancy concentration, which is a crucial factor in explaining the double-edged sword role of defect concentration in photocatalysis. As the reduction temperature rises to 300 °C, carrier localization dominated by the quantum-confined Stark effect maximizes the separation ability of photo generated electron hole pairs, thus exhibiting the best catalytic performance for photocatalytic hydrogen production and the degradation of organic pollutants, as demonstrated by a hydrogen evolution rate of 523.7 µmol g-1 h-1 and a ninefold higher RhB photodegradation rate compared to TiO2 MS. The work offers excellent flexibility for precisely constructing high-performance photocatalysts by understanding vacancy engineering.

Layered deposited MoS2 nanosheets on acorn leaf like CdS as an efficient anti-photocorrosion photocatalyst for hydrogen production

Photocatalytic hydrogen production through water splitting is an appealing technology to alleviate the escalating fossil fuel energy crisis. The advancement of visible-light-driven hydrogen production systems is a crucial aspect of hydrogen research. In this study, we successfully synthesized a unique acorn leaf-like CdS/MoS2 material via a hydrothermal method, with layered deposited MoS2 nanosheets, for driving hydrogen generation under illumination. By systematically varying the sodium molybdate concentration, We looked into how the MoS2 affected the optical properties and photocatalytic performance of the acorn-leaf-like CdS/MoS2.Under illumination, the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of the acorn leaf-like CdS/MoS2 reached 70.05 mmol·g−1·h−1 (at a catalyst dosage of 10 mg), which is approximately 330 times higher than the unmodified CdS original material. It was determined that the apparent quantum yield at 450 nm was 2.104 %, corresponding to a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 9.383 %. Mechanistic investigations revealed that MoS2 nanosheets function as co-catalysts and electron acceptors, effectively promoting electron transfer and the separation of photogenerated charge carriers from CdS, thereby consequently enhancing the kinetics of surface hydrogen evolution. This work offers valuable insights into the development of efficient photocatalysts with anti-photocorrosion properties for sustainable hydrogen production.

Experimental and DFT insights on hydrothermally synthesized PbS doped bismuth titanate perovskites: An Outperforming photocatalytic hydrogen production performance

In present study, bismuth-based titanate perovskite nanomaterials have been prepared by adapting hydrothermal technique assisted with low temperature. The band gap calculated from the Tauc plot by diffused reflectance UV–visible spectroscopy is 3.25eV. Lead sulfide nanoparticles were mixed in different weight ratios of 0.1%,0.3% and 0.6%, as a dopant to the bismuth titanate perovskites leading to a decrease in the bandwidth. The elemental composition was confirmed by XPS indicating the existence Bi and Ti further, detects the presence of oxygen species in more than one states which likely improves the photocatalytic characteristics. The photocatalytic action for breakdown of water was observed by a photochemical reactor using a Xenon lamp as a source of light and the experiment was performed in proximity of various hole-emulsifying agents. It was noticed that 0.6% PbS doped bismuth titanate (BT) reveals the highest hydrogen production of 202.43 μmol/g in the presence of EDTA and for generation of hydrogen, decreasing order of scavenger’s activity is Methanol > EDTA and TEOA for 0.6% PbS doped Bismuth titanates nanomaterials.Moreover, to achieve new and subtle insights in understanding the hydrogen adsorption phenomenon in the two selected composite models, DFT studies have been done. Since, the in-silico-based results (especially, the binding energy) provided evocative and interesting results (PbS side is more favorable than the Bi–O–Ti side for hydrogen production) which could be helpful for the experimentalists in smart fabrication of such fascinating materials employed for energy storage applications.

Synergy of atom doping and defect construction in marigold-like Zn3In2S6 for improved photocatalytic hydrogen production

Atom doping and defect construction are effective strategies to enhance the performance of photocatalysts. Herein, zirconium (Zr) doping and sulfur vacancies (Vs) are introduced on marigold-like Zn3In2S6 (Zr-ZIS-Vs) by controlling the amount of sulfur precursors and ZrCl4 via a one-pot hydrothermal process. Remarkably, the optimized Zr-ZIS-Vs catalyst exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity, giving a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 9.44 mmol g−1 h−1, which is 10.73, 4.39 and 2.37 times higher than pure Zn3In2S6 (ZIS, 0.88 mmol g−1 h−1), Zn3In2S6 with sulfur vacancies alone (ZIS-Vs, 2.15 mmol g−1 h−1), and Zn3In2S6 with Zr doping alone (Zr-ZIS, 3.98 mmol g−1 h−1). The apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of Zr-ZIS-Vs achieves 27.15 % and 4.90 % at λ = 370 and 456 nm, respectively. Experimental results and theoretical simulations reveal the behavioral mechanisms of the deletion of S atoms and the tendency of Zr to replace In, indicating that the defective and reference strategies can narrow the band gap, provide abundant active sites, enhance the effective transport and separation of photogenerated carriers, and modulate the transfer of active sites to empirical site S atoms to achieve the synergistic thermodynamic and kinetic interactions, which effectively enhances the performance of photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Insights into the function of metallic 1T phase tungsten disulfide as cocatalyst decorated zinc indium sulfide for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production activity

Improving the separation efficiency of carriers is an important part of enhancing photocatalytic activity. Herein, we successfully decorated metallic 1T phase tungsten disulfide (1T-WS2) on the surface of zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn2S4) and investigated the synergistic effect of 1T-WS2 on ZnIn2S4. The characterization results show that 1T-WS2 improves the light absorption capacity and utilization efficiency, increases the catalytic active site, improves the photogenerated charge separation efficiency, and optimizes the reduction potential of ZnIn2S4. Theoretical calculations show that compared with ZnIn2S4, 1T-WS2/ZnIn2S4 has a smaller adsorption Gibbs free energy of the intermediate state H*, which is conducive to the catalytic reaction. Under simulated solar irradiation, the hydrogen (H2) production rate of 1T-WS2/ZnIn2S4 with a loading of 12 wt% reaches 30.90 mmol h−1 g−1, which is 3.38 times higher than that of single ZnIn2S4 (9.13 mmol h−1 g−1). In addition, the apparent quantum efficiency of 1T-WS2/ZnIn2S4 with a loading of 12 wt% reaches 21.14 % under monochromatic light at a wavelength of λ = 370 nm. This work analyzes the light absorption and carrier separation to the catalytic site, and elucidates the mechanism for the enhancement of the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance.

A new Ni-based cocatalyst nickel thiocarbonate enhancing graphitic carbon nitride photocatalytic hydrogen production by constructing a built-in electric field

Despite the excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) exhibits a high overpotential for hydrogen evolution. To address this issue, cocatalysts have been utilized to modify g-C3N4. However, the use of high-performance cocatalysts typically involves noble metals such as platinum and palladium, which are cost-prohibitive for practical applications. Therefore, the development of efficient and cost-effective cocatalysts is crucial for advancing photocatalysis. In this study, we synthesized a new Ni-based cocatalyst, nickel thiocarbonate (NiCS3), to enhance the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on g-C3N4. The NiCS3/g-C3N4 composite demonstrated a significantly increased hydrogen evolution rate of 951 μmol·h−1·g−1 under visible light, representing more than a 105-fold improvement compared to pure g-C3N4. Theoretical calculations suggested that the enhanced performance in photocatalytic hydrogen production can be attributed to the generation of a built-in electric field within the composite, facilitating efficient charge carrier separation and migration. Additionally, the C site in NiCS3 provides a favorable Gibbs free energy of adsorbed H* (ΔGH∗). This work underscores the potential of NiCS3 as a viable alternative to precious metals in photocatalytic hydrogen production using g-C3N4.

Promoting charge separation in CuInS2/CeO2 photocatalysts by an S-scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production

Low charge separation efficiency significantly hampers the performance of photocatalytic hydrogen production. Constructing heterojunctions emerges as a crucial strategy to enhance photocatalytic activity by improving charge separation. An S-scheme heterojunction not only effectively separates the photogenerated charge in composite photocatalysts but also preserves optimal redox capabilities. This study presents the first report of CuInS2/CeO2 (CIS/CeO2) and demonstrates how charge separation within CIS/CeO2 to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production through the construction of an S-scheme heterojunction. The UV–visible-driven hydrogen production rate of CIS/CeO2 is 4.6 and 9.4 times higher than that of CIS and CeO2 alone, respectively. The improved photocatalytic performance primarily stems from enhanced charge separation promoted by the S-scheme heterojunction. The charge transfer pathway was confirmed as an S-scheme mechanism through a combination of band structure experiments, density functional theory (DFT) calculations on work function, internal electric field, and charge differential density distribution, alongside electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments. Multiple perspectives were employed to elucidate the reasons behind facilitating efficient charge separation. This research provides valuable insights for advancing photocatalytic performance.

Construction of 3D MoSx/Zn2In2S5 nanoflower heterojunction for boosted photothermal-assisted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution in biomass solution

Hydrogen production from solar energy conversion method is an attractive strategy to alleviate the energy crisis. The use of non-noble metal cocatalysts instead of noble metal monomers to improve the performance of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions has been pursued by researchers. In this work, we develop a single-photon excited electron transport pathway system for photocatalytic hydrogen production performance studies by coupling 0D MoSx nanodots and 3D Zn2In2S5 nanoflowers. Experimental results combined with DFT calculations show that MoSx not only imparts photothermal properties to the composite material, but also acts as a conduit for electron transport, which can accelerate the rapid separation and transfer of photocatalytic charges. Among them, 3-MoSx/Zn2In2S5 selectively promoted photocatalyzed conversion of benzyl alcohol (BA, 100% conversion) into benzaldehyde (BAD, 96.82% selectivity) by simultaneous co-production of hydrogen (8.74 mmol•g−1•h−1) within 1 h, which is about 7.80 and 2.69 times higher than pure Zn2In2S5, respectively. Further, 3-MoSx/Zn2In2S5 can realize the hydrogen production reaction with glycerol as the substrate with a remarkable effect (up to 5.47 mmol•g−1•h−1). Additionally, 3-MoSx/Zn2In2S5 also showed some hydrogen production performance when other biomasses (glucose, xylose, and cellulose) were used as substrates. This work provides a feasible strategy for the design of photothermal photocatalysts for synergistic hydrogen production from biomass.

ZnO/TiO2 heterojunction nanorod array for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting

This study presents a novel approach utilizing a simple, stable, reproducible CV (Cyclic Voltammetry) electrodeposition method to deposit varying amounts of ZnO onto ordered TiO2 (Rutile) nanorod arrays. Comprehensive investigations were conducted on the morphology, semiconductor band-gap structure of different ZnO/Rutile composites, and their performance in photocatalytic (PC) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production. Results demonstrate that the ZnO/TiO2 photoanodes fabricated in this manner exhibit outstanding PC/PEC hydrogen production capabilities. Particularly noteworthy is the Z/R-15 photoanode, showcasing superior PEC performance with a photocurrent density 3.5 times higher than that of the pristine TiO2 photoanode under equivalent conditions. Furthermore, it was observed that depositing ZnO onto highly crystalline, annealed TiO2 nanorods yields optimal photoelectrical properties. Incorporating oxygen-rich vacancies in ZnO significantly enhances the photoelectrocatalytic performance of TiO2 photoanodes. The CV electrodeposition method offers valuable insights for developing efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production catalysts.

Recent Progress of Ion-Modified TiO2 for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

Harnessing solar energy to produce hydrogen through semiconductor-mediated photocatalytic water splitting is a promising avenue to address the challenges of energy scarcity and environmental degradation. Ever since Fujishima and Honda's groundbreaking work in photocatalytic water splitting, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has garnered significant interest as a semiconductor photocatalyst, prized for its non-toxicity, affordability, superior photocatalytic activity, and robust chemical stability. Nonetheless, the efficacy of solar energy conversion is hampered by TiO2's wide bandgap and the swift recombination of photogenerated carriers. In pursuit of enhancing TiO2's photocatalytic prowess, a panoply of modification techniques has been explored over recent years. This work provides an extensive review of the strategies employed to augment TiO2's performance in photocatalytic hydrogen production, with a special emphasis on foreign dopant incorporation. Firstly, we delve into metal doping as a key tactic to boost TiO2's capacity for efficient hydrogen generation via water splitting. We elaborate on the premise that metal doping introduces discrete energy states within TiO2's bandgap, thereby elevating its visible light photocatalytic activity. Following that, we evaluate the role of metal nanoparticles in modifying TiO2, hailed as one of the most effective strategies. Metal nanoparticles, serving as both photosensitizers and co-catalysts, display a pronounced affinity for visible light absorption and enhance the segregation and conveyance of photogenerated charge carriers, leading to remarkable photocatalytic outcomes. Furthermore, we consolidate perspectives on the nonmetal doping of TiO2, which tailors the material to harness visible light more efficiently and bolsters the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. The incorporation of various anions is summarized for their potential to propel TiO2's photocatalytic capabilities. This review aspires to compile contemporary insights on ion-doped TiO2, propelling the efficacy of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and anticipating forthcoming advancements. Our work aims to furnish an informative scaffold for crafting advanced TiO2-based photocatalysts tailored for water-splitting applications.

Boosting the Photocatalytic Performance of g-C3N4 through MoS2 Nanotubes with the Cavity Enhancement Effect.

The development of catalysts with high photon utilization efficiency is crucial for enhancing the catalytic performance of photocatalysts. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a prominent material in the field of photocatalysis. However, it still exhibits drawbacks such as low utilization of visible light and severe recombination of photogenerated carriers. To address these issues, this study employs MoS2 nanotubes (NTs) as cocatalysts and constructs MoS2 NTs/g-C3N4. The MoS2 NTs/g-C3N4 exhibits a significant cavity enhancement effect through multiple light reflections. This results in a broad spectral absorption range and high photon utilization efficiency, while also reducing the recombination of photogenerated carriers. The photocatalyst demonstrates outstanding performance in both photocatalytic hydrogen production and photodegradation of organic pollutants. Specifically, the hydrogen production rate is 1921 μmol·g-1·h-1, which is approximately 2.4 times that of g-C3N4. Furthermore, the photodegradation rate of Rhodamine B reaches 98.6% within 30 min, which is approximately three times higher than that of g-C3N4. Free radical capture experiments confirm that holes (h+) are the primary active species in photodegradation. A plausible photocatalytic mechanism for the catalyst is proposed. This study provides valuable insights into the development of heterojunction photocatalysts with high photon utilization efficiency.

Facile Fabrication of SrTiO3/In2O3 on Carbon Fibers via a Self-Assembly Strategy for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Photocatalytic water splitting by semiconductors is considered a promising and cost-effective method for achieving sustainable hydrogen production. In this study, a CF/SrTiO3/In2O3 photocatalytic material with a double-layer core–shell structure was developed. The experimental results indicated that the produced CF/SrTiO3/In2O3 composite fiber displayed superior photocatalytic hydrogen production performance, achieving a hydrogen evolution rate of approximately 320.71 μmol/g·h, which is roughly seven times higher than that of the CF/SrTiO3 fiber alone. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the CF/SrTiO3/In2O3 fiber can be attributed to the heterojunction structure enriched with oxygen vacancies. It was found that these oxygen vacancies created defective states that served as traps for photogenerated electrons, facilitating their migration to the surface defect states and enabling the reduction of H+ in water to produce hydrogen. Furthermore, the synergy between the heterojunction structure and the conductivity of the carbon fiber promoted the generation and migration of photogenerated electrons, reduced the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, and ultimately improved photocatalytic hydrogen production. This study presents a new approach for designing efficient photocatalysts with surface oxygen vacancies on carbon fibers, providing new insights into the sustainable application of photocatalysts.

Elaborate design and construction of direct Z-scheme ZnIn2S4@BiYWO6 heterojunction catalysts for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

Photocatalytic Hydrogen production as one of the effective ways to solve the future energy issues has recently become a research hotspot in the field of renewable energy. However, single-component photocatalysts have poor hydrogen production efficiency due to the narrow light-absorption range, susceptibility to photo-corrosion and low catalytic activity. Herein, novel heterojunction photocatalysts of ZnIn2S4@BiYWO6 with different mass ratios were designed and synthesized using a facile two-step hydrothermal method. Experimental results and analyses show that these heterojunction catalysts exhibit extremely excellent photocatalytic performance for hydrogen production. Especially, the hydrogen production rate of 10ZnIn2S4-BiYWO6 is 73 times higher than that of pure ZnIn2S4. Furthermore, enhanced photocatalytic mechanism and carrier transfer pathway in the heterojunction photocatalyst of ZnIn2S4@BiYWO6 were deeply analyzed and explored in the paper, which confirmed that ZnIn2S4@BiYWO6 is a direct Z-scheme heterojunction architecture. Within such a Z-scheme framework, the presence of a built-in electric field at the interface between ZnIn2S4 and BiYWO6 as well as the energy band bending lead to the direct recombination of electrons and holes with low redox capacity, while keeping the electrons and holes with high redox capacity in each component. Consequently, the photocatalytic activity of the Z-scheme heterojunction system has been greatly enhanced. It is believed that the present work provides valuable guidance for the design and construction of novel Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts.