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Supramolecular Electrostatic-Driven Construction of ZnIn2S4/NiTCPP Heterojunctions for Efficient Photocatalytic
Yuhao Wang1, Minglei Yang1, Mei Han1
1School of Biology and Chemical Engineering, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, Henan 473000, PR China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|May 15, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel nickel porphyrin-modified Z-scheme photocatalyst (Ni-ZIS-10) for efficient solar hydrogen production. This advanced material significantly boosts hydrogen evolution rates and stability by improving light absorption and charge separation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photocatalysis
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Solar water splitting for hydrogen is promising but limited by poor light absorption, carrier recombination, and slow kinetics.
- Developing efficient and stable photocatalysts is crucial for practical clean energy applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a novel Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for enhanced solar hydrogen production.
- To investigate the role of supramolecular electrostatic self-assembly in catalyst performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nickel porphyrin (NiTCPP)-modified Z-scheme ZnIn2S4 heterojunction (Ni-ZIS-10) via supramolecular self-assembly.
- Characterization of the catalyst's structure, light absorption, and charge carrier dynamics.
- Evaluation of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate (HER) under visible light irradiation.
Main Results:
- Ni-ZIS-10 exhibited extended light absorption into the near-infrared (NIR) region.
- The Z-scheme structure and built-in electric field promoted efficient charge separation and migration.
- Ni-ZIS-10 showed a >7-fold increase in HER compared to pristine ZnIn2S4 with good cyclic stability.
- The nickel active center was crucial for interfacial charge transfer and proton reduction.
Conclusions:
- Supramolecular electrostatic self-assembly is an effective strategy for creating stable, non-noble-metal Z-scheme photocatalysts.
- Ni-ZIS-10 demonstrates significant potential for efficient solar-driven hydrogen production.
- Interface engineering is key to overcoming limitations in photocatalytic water splitting.
