Constructing Z-scheme heterojunctions of Zr-MOF/g-C3N4 for highly efficient photocatalytic H2 production under visible light

The construction of heterojunction photocatalysts is an effective strategy to improve photocatalytic activity. Inspiringly, this is studied by the successful fabrication of new composites of a robust Zr-MOF and low-cost g-C3N4via a simple method of mechanical grinding followed by low-temperature heating. The synthesized composites exhibit characteristics of wide-range visible-light absorption, good long-term stability and significant photocatalytic hydrogen production. The optimal H2 production rate of the Zr-MOF/g-C3N4 (5.0 wt%) heterojunction was 1.252 mmol h−1 g−1, which was 41.7 and 15.7 times higher than that of pure Zr-MOF and g-C3N4, respectively. The Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism in Zr-MOF/g-C3N4 effectively improves charge separation and maintains its high redox ability, thus greatly enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen production activity. This study presents the rational fabrication of heterojunctions for photocatalytic applications and also provides new high-performance and low-cost MOF/g-C3N4 photocatalysts for H2 production.