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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
05:47
Preparation of Polyoxometalate-based Photo-responsive Membranes for the Photo-activation of Manganese Oxide Catalysts
Published on: August 7, 2018
A Three-Dimensional Interlocked Heterojunction Photoanode for Sustainable Metal Corrosion Control in Marine
Xiaoyan Liu1,2, Chuchu Chen3, Yumei Zhang1
1College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 11, 2026
Summary
A novel 3D interlocked ZnIn2S4/SnIn4S8 photoanode enhances photoelectrochemical cathodic protection for sustainable marine metal corrosion control. This engineered heterojunction improves charge transfer and stability in natural seawater.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Corrosion Science
Background:
- Photoelectrochemical cathodic protection (PECP) requires efficient and stable photoanodes for practical use.
- Conventional photoelectrodes suffer from slow electron transfer and poor interfacial contact.
- Developing advanced photoanode materials is crucial for overcoming these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a novel ternary sulfide heterojunction with a 3D interlocked architecture for enhanced PECP.
- To investigate the charge transfer dynamics and band alignment of the engineered heterojunction.
- To evaluate the performance of the photoanode for marine metal corrosion control.
Main Methods:
- Sequential hydrothermal synthesis to construct a 3D interlocked ZnIn2S4/SnIn4S8 heterojunction.
- Spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses to characterize the material properties and band alignment.
- Photoelectrochemical measurements in various electrolytes (NaCl, Na2S2O3, Na2S/NaOH, natural seawater) coupled with 304 stainless steel.
Main Results:
- Formation of a Type-II band alignment facilitating directional electron migration.
- Achieved impressive photocurrent densities (up to 72.27 μA·cm⁻²) and a significant cathodic potential shift (720 mV).
- Demonstrated excellent activity and stability in scavenger-free NaCl solution and natural seawater.
Conclusions:
- The 3D interlocked architecture promotes intimate interfacial contact and efficient charge transfer.
- The engineered ZnIn2S4/SnIn4S8 heterojunction shows significant promise for sustainable marine metal corrosion control.
- Synergistic effects between heterojunction charge separation and electrolyte-specific hole scavenging drive the enhanced PECP performance.
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