Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2023, Vol. 52: 32-49.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(23)64502-4

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A review on ZnO-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts

Zicong Jianga, Bei Chenga, Liuyang Zhangb, Zhenyi Zhangc, Chuanbiao Bieb,*()   

  1. aState Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
    bLaboratory of Solar Fuel, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, Hubei, China
    cKey Laboratory of New Energy and Rare Earth Resource Utilization of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Key Laboratory of Photosensitive Materials and Devices of Liaoning Province, School of Physics and Materials Engineering, Dalian Minzu University, Dalian 116600, Liaoning, China
  • Received:2023-07-11 Accepted:2023-08-09 Online:2023-09-18 Published:2023-09-25
  • Contact: *E-mail: biechuanbiao@cug.edu.cn (C. Bie).
  • About author:Chuanbiao Bie (Laboratory of Solar Fuel, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences) received his Ph.D. from Wuhan University of Technology in 2021. He is now a postdoctoral researcher at China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). His research interests focus on semiconductor photocatalysis, including photocatalytic H2 evolution, H2O2 production, CO2 reduction, and organic synthesis.
  • Supported by:
    National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFB3803600);National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFE0115900);National Natural Science Foundation of China(22278383);National Natural Science Foundation of China(52073223);National Natural Science Foundation of China(22278324);National Natural Science Foundation of China(51932007);National Natural Science Foundation of China(22238009);National Natural Science Foundation of China(22261142666);National Natural Science Foundation of China(U1905215);National Natural Science Foundation of China(22202187);Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province of China(2022CFA001);National Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents(BX2021275);China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2022M712957)

Abstract:

ZnO, a typical photocatalyst, has aroused great attention due to its nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and earth abundance. However, its performance is hindered by insufficient light absorption capacity, limited reduction ability, and fast recombination of photogenerated carriers (PC). To overcome these challenges, the construction of ZnO-based S-scheme heterojunctions has emerged as an effective solution, enabling the simultaneous realization of spatially separated PC and enhanced redox abilities. Given the notable progress in ZnO-based S-scheme heterojunctions, it is crucial to review the current achievements and provide guidance for future development. This paper presents the development and representative characterization methods of S-scheme heterojunctions, outlines the design principles of ZnO-based S-scheme heterojunctions, and exemplifies the applications of ZnO-based S-scheme heterojunctions in environmental remediation, hydrogen evolution, H2O2 production, and CO2 reduction. Finally, the significant challenges and potential improvements for ZnO-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts are proposed.

Key words: Photocatalysis, Step-scheme heterojunction, Zinc oxide, Interfacial internal electric field, Photocatalytic application