Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2025, Vol. 74: 294-307.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(25)64690-0

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Custom exposed crystal facets: Synergistic effect of optimum crystal facet anisotropy and Ohmic heterojunction boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Zhengyu Zhou, Zhiliang Jin*()   

  1. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Key Laboratory of Solar Chemical Conversion Technology, Key Laboratory for Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia, China
  • Received:2025-02-08 Accepted:2025-03-10 Online:2025-07-18 Published:2025-07-20
  • Contact: *E-mail: zl-jin@nun.edu.cn (Z. L. Jin).
  • Supported by:
    Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Natural Science Foundation Project(2023AAC02046)

Abstract:

The design of customized crystal plane heterojunction can effectively leverage the optimal anisotropic interaction of crystal plane, thereby enhancing photocatalytic activity. In this study, Co3O4 exposed (111), (110), and (100) crystal planes (designated as HCO, NCO, and CCO, respectively) were synthesized and successfully coupled with Cd0.5Zn0.5S (CZS). Among these composites, the HCO/CZS exhibited best hydrogen evolution activity. In conjunction with DFT calculations and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, it has been found that: the crystal plane interaction between HCO and CZS enabled the composite catalyst to exhibit optimal anisotropy in crystal plane carrier transport, crystal plane active sites, and crystal plane electronic structure. This interaction induces a redistribution of electrons at their contact interface, thereby establishing a built-in electric field that facilitates the formation of ohmic heterojunction between HCO and CZS. The synergistic effect of the ohmic heterojunction and crystal plane anisotropy not only decreases the Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption but also facilitates the efficient spatial separation and rapid transfer of electron-hole pairs. This study offers valuable insights into the customization of crystal plane heterojunctions, aiming to maximize anisotropic interactions between crystal planes in order to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Key words: Crystal plane heterojunction, Crystal plane interaction, Ohmic heterojunction, Crystal plane anisotropy, Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution