Twin Interfacial Charge Channels Enable Efficient Photorefining of Raw Biomass

Abstract

Enhancing interfacial carrier separation and overcoming the structure recalcitrance of raw biomass are major challenges in its direct photorefining for solar fuel and platform chemical production. Here, we report a rational interfacial microenvironmental modulation strategy to construct twin charge channels in ZnS(en)/CdS photocatalysts for efficient biomass valorization.Specifically, sulfur vacancies function as electron transport pathways, while surface-coordinated ethylenediamine molecules act as hole channels, synergistically promoting interfacial charge separation and transfer. These dual channels not only facilitate carrier utilization but also activate biomass substrate, significantly boosting photocatalytic performance. As a result, the ZnS(en)/CdS system achieves an exceptional hydrogen evolution rate of 8.89 mmol g -1 h -1 and an organic acid production rate of 5.48 mmol g -1 h -1 , both surpassing the performance of most previously reported photocatalysts. This work offers valuable insights into catalyst interface engineering and provides a robust strategy for advancing sustainable raw biomass photorefining.