Transition-Metal-Doped ZnIn2S4 Photocatalysts for Enhanced Solar Hydrogen Production

초록

Sustainable energy relies on developing reliable and efficient photocatalysts for solar-powered hydrogen production. Zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn2S4, ZIS) has a favorable bandgap and can absorb visible light; however, its photocatalytic efficiency is limited by rapid charge carrier recombination and limited active site accessibility. This work aims to improve ZIS's photocatalytic efficiency by incorporating iron (Fe-3(+)) doping and engineering its morphology. A straightforward hydrothermal method produced flower-like hierarchical Fe-doped ZIS photocatalysts. The Fe-3(+) ions enhanced charge separation by altering the electrical structure of ZIS and creating beneficial defect sites. Doping and the well-defined, flower-like shape, which increase the surface area and reactive sites for photocatalysis, were confirmed through structural and optical characterizations. Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution tests showed improved performance with optimized Fe-doped ZIS, reaching 5489 mu mol<middle dot>g(-)(1)<middle dot>h(-)(1) compared to 1422 mu mol<middle dot>g(-)(1)<middle dot>h(-)(1) for pure ZIS under visible light. The hierarchical structure and Fe doping, which improve light harvesting and charge dynamics, are responsible for this enhancement. This study shows that transition-metal doping and morphological design can boost ZIS's photocatalytic activity in a scalable way. These findings highlight materials with high performance for solar hydrogen production, supporting progress towards more sustainable energy solutions.

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