Well-Designed 2D/2D/2D Ternary ZCO/CN/TiC Nanocomposite for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Production Through Water Splitting Under Visible Light

Abstract

Photocatalytic water splitting is considered as one of the most promising technologies for hydrogen production. A novel 2D/2D/2D ZnCo2O4/g-C3N4/Ti3C2 (ZCO/CN/TiC) nanocomposite was synthesized through a facile thermal method for efficient photocatalytic H2 production under visible light. This multi-heterojunction system displayed an efficient performance with higher H2 production rates compared to single catalysts. The experimental results revealed a hydrogen production rate of 1465 µmol g−1 for the ZCO/CN/TiC ternary composite after 4 h of light irradiation, which is about 3.8 and 2.5 times higher than that of g-C3N4 and g-C3N4/Ti3C2, respectively. This significant enhancement is mainly attributed to the efficient charge transfer within the constructed heterojunction system and due to the presence of MXene (Ti3C2), which acted as a solid electron mediator to suppress the charge recombination rate. Both the type and the amount of used sacrificial agent have exhibited a significant effect on the H2 production rate. The ZCO/CN/TiC ternary nanocomposite has also displayed the best quantum yield (QY = 1.316). The newly developed structured photocatalyst would provide a promising approach for the construction of easyprepared and noble-metal-free photocatalysts for the application of clean and sustainable fuel production.