@article{Li2026, 
author = {Yuhan Li and Wei He and Xinxin Zhang and Yongcheng Feng and Zeyong Meng and Ping Tan},
title = {Unlocking persistent toluene degradation through self-defect modulation engineering via phosphorus-doping},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
keywords = {photocatalysis, self-defect modulation, ZnSn(OH)6, mechanism, toluene},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2026.94909053},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2026.94909053},
abstract = {The strategic design of photocatalysts with robust oxidative ability is essential for the efficient and sustainable elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Herein, we developed a phosphorus-doped ZnSn(OH)6 photocatalyst (ZHS-P50) with self-modulated defects via a one-step microwave hydrothermal method. The optimized ZHS-P50 exhibits impressive photocatalytic performance, achieving a toluene (C7H8) removal efficiency of 95%. Notably, phosphorus (P) incorporation modulates oxygen vacancy (OV) concentrations via self-defect regulation, creating a synergistic interplay that enhances molecular activation. This synergy promotes O2 adsorption and activation, leading to abundant generation of reactive oxygen species critical for photocatalysis. In situ spectroscopic analysis combined with theoretical calculations reveals that P doping and OVs facilitate the formation of benzoic acid as a key intermediate, accelerating ring-opening reactions and enabling deep mineralization. This work highlights ZHS-P50 as an efficient photocatalyst for C7H8 abatement and establishes a defect-regulation paradigm for advanced oxidation catalysts.}
}