Zinc-vacancy mediated Z-scheme photocatalyst of ZnS/LaTiO₂N for hydrogen evolution under visible-light

Solar-powered photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen evolution presents a promising solution to the energy crisis and contemporary environmental challenges. Herein, a Z-scheme ZnS/LaTiO2N heterojunction composite, incorporating zinc vacancies, has been successfully synthesized to enable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible-light illumination. The optimized ZnS(VZn)/LaTiO2N composite demonstrates a hydrogen evolution activity 13 times higher than that of individual ZnS(VZn). The heterojunction between ZnS and LaTiO2N, in conjunction with zinc vacancies, expands the photoresponse spectrum and facilitates the spatial separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. Consequently, this synergy significantly enhances the performance of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The collaborative action of the Z-scheme heterojunction and zinc vacancies paves the way for innovative approaches in designing future high-efficiency photocatalysts.