Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2026, Vol. 81: 259-271.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(25)64851-0

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Self-assembling 3D/2D ZnIn2S4/CN-NH4 to construct S-scheme heterojunctions for the efficient production of H2O2 in pure water

Congcong Wanga,b,c, Yongkang Quand, Suili Shia,b,c, Guorong Wanga,b,c(), Zhiliang Jina,b,c   

  1. a School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia, China
    b Ningxia Key Laboratory of Solar Chemical Conversion Technology, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia, China
    c Key Laboratory for Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia, China
    d College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
  • Received:2025-06-19 Accepted:2025-08-13 Online:2026-02-18 Published:2025-12-26
  • Contact: *E-mail: guorongwang@nun.edu.cn (G. Wang).
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(U22A20147)

Abstract:

The photocatalytic double-electron oxygen reduction pathway has become a strategic approach for the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In many heterojunction systems, indium zinc sulfide (ZnIn2S4) has received increasing attention, but it is limited by its slow REDOX kinetics and the lack of sufficient double-electron oxygen reduction active sites. In this study, low-cost CN-NH4 fragments were loaded onto flower-like indium zinc sulfide (ZnIn2S4) to construct a compact S-scheme, in order to achieve environmentally friendly hydrogen peroxide photosynthesis. The H2O2 yield of the ZnIn2S4/CN-NH4 photocatalyst was 2031 µmol g-1 h-1, which was 2.84 and 21.39 times that of ZnIn2S4 and CN-NH4, respectively. This is attributed to the contact between ZnIn2S4 and CN-NH4, providing a fast migration channel for electrons, forming a strong internal electric field at the interface, and effectively prolonging the migration lifetime of photogenerated carriers. The introduction of CN-NH4 enhances the absorption of oxygen by ZnIn2S4 and simultaneously reduces the energy barrier of its two-electron oxygen reduction reaction. This study provides a new approach for constructing S-scheme heterojunction materials that can efficiently generate H2O2 under solar irradiation.

Key words: Hydrogen peroxide, Oxygen reduction, Pure water, S-scheme heterojunction, Zinc indium sulfide