Issue 24, 2023

UiO-66(-NH2) crystal-decorated Cu7S4 snowflake-like nanoarchitectures with synergistic charge migration for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution and N2 fixation

Abstract

The fabrication of template-free dendritic copper sulphide phase-coupled metal–organic framework (MOF) heterostructures is an innovative approach for boosting light harvesting property and efficacy towards the photoreduction of atmospheric molecules. In this study, the rational construction of UiO-66(-NH2)/Cu7S4 (UNCS) n–p heterostructures with snowflake-like morphology via a facile reflux technique for photocatalytic H2 production and N2 fixation reactions is reported. The prepared n–p heterostructure materials were well characterized using various structural, morphological, and spectroscopic techniques to comprehend their physicochemical and optoelectronic features. The fine dispersion of UiO-66(-NH2) (UN) nanocrystals on the surface of snowflake-like Cu7S4 endows increased specific surface area and strong interfacial contact, which are favourable for the enhanced separation and facile migration of photogenerated charge species. In addition, the well-organized snowflake-like architecture with lush branches allows multiple reflection and scattering of the incident light leading to enhanced absorption. The UNCS heterojunction displayed superior photocatalytic H2 evolution (3110 μmol g−1 h−1) and NH3 production (374 μmol g−1 h−1) to pure UN and Cu7S4 (CS) semiconductors. The higher photocatalytic performance of the heterostructure is attributed to the morphological advantages and formation of a tight contact interface and an n–p heterojunction, which improve rapid interfacial charge migration. This study provides a new insight into the fabrication of n–p heterostructure photocatalysts for converting solar energy into a clean energy and value-added chemicals.

Graphical abstract: UiO-66(-NH2) crystal-decorated Cu7S4 snowflake-like nanoarchitectures with synergistic charge migration for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution and N2 fixation

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
16 Sept. 2023
Accepted
04 Nov. 2023
First published
07 Nov. 2023

Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023,7, 5633-5647

UiO-66(-NH2) crystal-decorated Cu7S4 snowflake-like nanoarchitectures with synergistic charge migration for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution and N2 fixation

R. Bariki, A. R. Pati, S. K. Pradhan, S. Panda, S. K. Nayak and B. G. Mishra, Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2023, 7, 5633 DOI: 10.1039/D3SE01215H

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