Hierarchical Z-scheme Fe2O3@ZnIn2S4 core–shell heterostructures with enhanced adsorption capacity enabling significantly improved photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Abstract

The challenge of sunlight-driven CO₂ reduction is to achieve efficient photocatalysts with exceptional molecule adsorption ability and efficient charge-separation efficiency. Herein, 3D hierarchical Z-scheme Fe₂O₃@ZnIn₂S₄ core–shell nanorods are reasonably designed and synthesized and directly used as Z-scheme CO₂ photoreduction catalysts. The Fe₂O₃@ZnIn₂S₄ core–shell nanorods exhibited a CO evolution rate of 37.13 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, which is 2.15 times higher than that of the pristine ZnIn₂S₄ layers. The upgraded photocatalytic activity can be ascribed to the unique 3D hierarchical structure and efficient CO₂ adsorption capacity, as well as the improved separation efficiency of charge carriers. This work may create new opportunities for developing other highly active complex hierarchical Z-scheme photocatalysts.