Efficient flower-like ZnSe/Cu_0.08Zn_0.92S photocatalyst for hydrogen production application

Abstract

Photocatalytic hydrogen production utilizing abundant solar energy to produce high-calorie, clean, and pollution-free hydrogen is an important approach to solving environmental and resource problems. In this work, a high-efficiency flower-like ZnSe/Cu_0.08Zn_0.92S photocatalyst was constructed through element doping and the formation of a Z-scheme heterojunction. The synergistic effect of Cu doping and the built-in electric field in the heterojunction enhanced light absorption and utilization by the ZnSe/Cu_0.08Zn_0.92S microflowers, accelerated the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and effectively inhibited electron–hole recombination. Thus the photocatalytic hydrogen production ability of the ZnSe/Cu_0.08Zn_0.92S microflowers was increased significantly. The highly stable ZnSe/Cu_0.08Zn_0.92S microflowers could provide excellent catalysis of photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

photocatalysis / Cu_0.08Zn_0.92S / ZnSe / hydrogen production

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