Assisting a Type-II Heterojunction with the LSPR Effect for Realizing Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Evolution with NIR Apparent Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 0.5.

Xu, Minghua; Ruan, Xiaowen; Shahid, Malik Zeeshan; Jiao, Dongxu; Ding, Chunsheng; Huang, Chengxiang; Wang, Lin; Meng, Depeng et al. · Nano Lett · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Designing heterojunction catalysts for the production of hydrogen peroxide is a crucial strategy for advancing the field of artificial photosynthesis. However, conventional type-II heterojunction catalysts often face challenges of weak redox ability and the utilization of charge carriers. Herein, a distinct strategy is proposed that combines type-II heterojunctions with a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, thereby cooperatively enhancing the utilization of high-energy electrons through the hot electron injection process. The optimized catalyst MoO<sub>3-<i>x</i></sub>-ZnIn<sub>2</sub>S<sub>4</sub> (VMZS) exhibits H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production (47.2 μmol g<sup>-1</sup> min<sup>-1</sup>) under simulated sunlight (AM1.5G, 100 mW cm<sup>-2</sup>) with a filter (λ > 350 nm) and an apparent quantum efficiency of 0.5% at 940 nm, significantly exceeding previously reported state-of-the-art catalysts. Moreover, the prepared film of VMZS enables a H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production rate of 338.1 μM h<sup>-1</sup>. This work provides a new insight on designing heterojunction catalyst systems through the synergistic contribution of the type-II carrier transfer route and LSPR effect.