Issue 7, 2024

Defect-rich UiO-66@g-C3N4/Ni frameworks as efficient water splitting photocatalysts

Abstract

In this report, we uncover the synergistic role of g-C3N4, a cocatalyst (Ni), and defect sites of Zr-MOFs for unprecedented hydrogen evolution activity. Further, the interaction between defect rich UiO-66-D and g-C3N4 is well-supported by theoretical understanding and photocatalysis trends. The key role in the enhanced activity is further substantiated by considering the abundant type-II heterojunction between UiO-66-D and g-C3N4 in the hybrid composite. This study emphasizes the significance of defect-induced local strain and modification of the electronic structure at the junction connecting UiO-66 and g-C3N4 along with Ni NPs, demonstrating their role in the catalytic activity. Ligand oriented defect engineering is deliberately utilized to manipulate photonic and electrical attributes of the UiO-66 framework. Improved catalytic performance is ascribed to structural stabilization of the composite by the introduction of unsaturation in UiO-66 and suitable coordinated Ni NPs over g-C3N4, resulting in a multi-fold enhancement of the hydrogen production rate of 2.6 mmol g−1 h−1 with an AQY of 6.41% at 420 nm as compared to the pristine material.

Graphical abstract: Defect-rich UiO-66@g-C3N4/Ni frameworks as efficient water splitting photocatalysts

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
19 Oct 2023
Accepted
27 Dec 2023
First published
08 Jan 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 2785-2796

Defect-rich UiO-66@g-C3N4/Ni frameworks as efficient water splitting photocatalysts

A. Jamma, B. Jaksani, C. S. Vennapoosa, S. Gonuguntla, S. Sk, M. Ahmadipour, M. Abraham B., I. Mondal and U. Pal, Mater. Adv., 2024, 5, 2785 DOI: 10.1039/D3MA00880K

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