Publication: Defect-rich UiO-66@g-C3N4/Ni frameworks as efficient water splitting photocatalysts
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Date
2024
Authors
Jamma A.
Jaksani B.
Vennapoosa C.S.
Gonuguntla S.
Sk S.
Ahmadipour M.
Abraham B M.
Mondal I.
Pal U.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Abstract
In this report, we uncover the synergistic role of g-C3N4, a cocatalyst (Ni), and defect sites of Zr-MOFs for unprecedented hydrogen evolution activity. Further, the interaction between defect rich UiO-66-D and g-C3N4 is well-supported by theoretical understanding and photocatalysis trends. The key role in the enhanced activity is further substantiated by considering the abundant type-II heterojunction between UiO-66-D and g-C3N4 in the hybrid composite. This study emphasizes the significance of defect-induced local strain and modification of the electronic structure at the junction connecting UiO-66 and g-C3N4 along with Ni NPs, demonstrating their role in the catalytic activity. Ligand oriented defect engineering is deliberately utilized to manipulate photonic and electrical attributes of the UiO-66 framework. Improved catalytic performance is ascribed to structural stabilization of the composite by the introduction of unsaturation in UiO-66 and suitable coordinated Ni NPs over g-C3N4, resulting in a multi-fold enhancement of the hydrogen production rate of 2.6 mmol g?1 h?1 with an AQY of 6.41% at 420 nm as compared to the pristine material. ? 2024 RSC.
Description
Keywords
Error correction , Hydrogen evolution reaction , Layered semiconductors , Photocatalytic activity , Co catalysts , Defect engineering , Defect sites , Defects induced , Electronic.structure , Hybrid composites , Hydrogen-evolution , Local strains , Type II heterojunction , Water splitting , Defects