Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2027, Vol. 92: 285-299.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(26)65246-1

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Zn vacancy-anchored Ag clusters on single-unit-cell ZnIn2S4 nanosheets for efficient dual-function photocatalysis

Lifang Yanga,1, Yuge Zhangb,1, Yong Liuc,*(), Zhijun Yanga, Guanghui Lia, Jianwei Zhoua, Sugang Mengb,*(), Raf Dewilc,d   

  1. a School of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, China
    b Key Laboratory of Green and Precise Synthetic Chemistry and Applications, Ministry of Education School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, Anhui, China
    c Laboratory of Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Engineering and Safety, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, J. De Nayerlaan 5, 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
    d Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom
  • Received:2026-05-31 Accepted:2026-07-27 Online:2027-01-02 Published:2026-10-30
  • Contact: *E-mail: liuyong0781@outlook.com (Y. Liu),
    sgmeng@chnu.edu.cn (S. Meng).
  • About author:First author contact:

    1 Contributed equally to this work.

  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(52002142);Funding Program for Leading scholar of Anhui Province(DTR2025015);Foundation of Key Laboratory of Green and Precise Synthetic Chemistry Applications(KLGPSCA202502);Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(252300421938);Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(262300420253);Key Specialized Research and Development Breakthrough in Henan province(252102520006);Postgraduate Education Reform and Quality Improvement Project of Henan Province(YJS2025GZZ53)

Abstract:

Dual-function photocatalysis coupling reduction reactions with organic selective oxidation offers a sustainable strategy for energy and environmental challenges. Herein, we demonstrate a rational design of ultrathin, one-unit-cell Ag/ZnIn2S4-VZn (Ag/ZIS-VZn) nanosheets, featuring zinc vacancies (VZn) as high-affinity anchoring sites for Ag clusters. This unique configuration promotes ohmic contact between Ag clusters and the VZn-rich ZnIn2S4 substrate. Combined experiments, in situ characterizations, and theoretical studies reveal that this Ag-VZn coupling fundamentally reconfigures the charge-carrier dynamics, ensuring efficient spatial decoupling and establishing an optimized landscape for surface catalysis. Consequently, the Ag/ZIS-VZn architecture exhibits exceptional bifunctional performance for the selective oxidative valorization of phenylcarbinol into value-added chemicals, concurrently coupled with efficient hydrogen evolution, outperforming the reference benchmarks of ZIS, Ag/ZIS and ZIS-VZn. Remarkably, the integration of CO2 into the photocatalytic system enables a tandem process, coupling phenylcarbinol oxidation with CO2 photoreduction. This synergy is underpinned by strengthened CO2 adsorption and a lowered energy barrier for the rate-limiting formation of *COOH intermediate. Furthermore, 1%Ag/ZIS-VZn exhibits outstanding durability, retaining performance over 18 cycles. By elucidating the cooperative mechanism between metal vacancies and anchored clusters, this study establishes a design blueprint for high-performance, durable photocatalysts capable of steering complex, multi-component solar-driven transformations.

Key words: Photocatalysis, Dual-function, Phenylcarbinol oxidation, H2 production, CO2 reduction