Interfacial charge regulation in solid-state UIO-67/ZnIn2S4/Pt Z-scheme heterojunctions for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

ZnIn₂S₄ (ZIS) is a promising visible-light photocatalyst, yet its activity and stability are severely limited by rapid charge recombination and photocorrosion. Here, we report a UIO-67-mediated solid-state Z-scheme strategy to simultaneously enhance the efficiency and durability of ZIS for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. By integrating UIO-67 with ZIS and Pt nanoparticles, an intimate heterointerface with pronounced interfacial charge redistribution is established, featuring spontaneous electron transfer from UIO-67 to ZIS. As a result, the UIO-67/ZIS/Pt composite delivers a hydrogen evolution rate 13.81 times higher than that of pristine ZIS, together with an apparent quantum yield of 5.94% at 380 nm and excellent cycling stability. Mechanistic studies reveal that UIO-67 functions as an interfacial charge-regulation platform that promotes Z-scheme electron flow while suppressing charge recombination. This work provides a rational approach for overcoming the intrinsic limitations of metal sulfide photocatalysts via MOF-mediated Z-scheme engineering.