Ge-Modified GaN–ZnO wurtzite solid solutions with high Zn content for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution from water under visible light illumination

Abstract

Ge-Modified GaN–ZnO wurtzite solid solutions have been synthesized via moisture-assisted high temperature ammonolysis with very high Zn content (Zn/(Zn + Ga + Ge) > 0.61). A new intermediate, Zn₂GeO₄, has been identified during the synthesis, which breaks the limit imposed by the ZnGa₂O₄ intermediate on the Zn content. AQE as high as 10.8% at 420 ± 20 nm has been achieved for H₂ liberation from water.