A groundbreaking study from a collaboration between Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Northumbria University has unveiled a significant breakthrough in photocatalytic technology. Their research, published recently, introduces a magnetic ZnFe2O4/Pt/polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) semiconductor catalyst designed for high-performance photocatalytic hydrogen production and degradation of RhB.
Background
Photocatalysis emerges as a pivotal technology for clean energy production and environmental pollution control. However, the rapid recombination of photo-generated charge carriers poses a challenge to achieving high solar energy conversion efficiency.
Methods
The researchers devised a magnetic ZnFe2O4/Pt/PCN catalyst to address this challenge. This ternary composite catalyst exhibited impressive photocatalytic performance, with a hydrogen production rate of 339.31 μmol g−1 h−1 and a 96.08 % photocatalytic degradation rate of RhB under visible light within 120 min.
Significant Findings
Introducing Pt into the composite facilitated the transfer of photo-generated carriers by constructing an electronic bridge. Additionally, the smaller band gap of the ternary composites enabled the generation of more photo-generated electrons, while the internal electric field accelerated the accumulation of electrons and holes, enhancing photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the unique morphology of PCN facilitated electron-hole separation and photo-generated electron transport.
Implications
This magnetic catalytic system offers promising applications in photocatalytic hydrogen production and pollutant degradation. The magnetic ZnFe2O4 component allows for easy recovery of the catalyst through magnetic fields, enhancing its recyclability and practicality. This advancement in photocatalytic technology holds great potential for addressing energy production and environmental challenges in the future.
Source
Boosting photocatalytic activity in ternary lamellar hierarchical structured ZnFe2O4/polymeric carbon nitride by constructing an electronic bridge, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2024-06
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