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Ternary heterojunctions on Zn3In2S6/C3N5 towards advancing simultaneous photocatalytic production of H2O2 and benzaldehyde
Green Chemical Engineering 2026, 7(4): 436-446
Published: 24 June 2025
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Cooperative photocatalysis for simultaneous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and organic oxidation presents a sustainable approach to solar-to-chemical energy conversion. While ZnxIn2Sx+3 materials are promising candidates, the study of high stoichiometry (x > 1) variants is still limited. Moreover, the synergy of mixed-phase C3N5 and ZnxIn2Sx+3 remains to be explored. Herein, a series of ZnxIn2Sx+3 (x = 1–4) photocatalysts (RZISx) were synthesized via reflux, with Zn3In2S6 (x = 3) identified as the optimal composition, achieving H2O2 and benzaldehyde production rates of 1430.9±65.6 μM h−1 and 2473.2±264.2 μM h−1, respectively. Crystalline C3N5 (CCN550) was synthesized by the molten-salt method and a ternary heterostructure (5CCN/RZIS3) was further developed by compositing Zn3In2S6 with CCN550 during refluxing, leading to enhanced yields of H2O2 (2655.2±167.1 μM h−1; apparent quantum efficiency (AQE): 1.1% at 420 nm) and benzaldehyde (2685.9±126.5 μM h−1). Improved performance stems from the intimate interface between Zn3In2S6 and heptazine/triazine domains in C3N5, which facilitates efficient charge separation and boosts O2 adsorption. Rotating disk electrode measurements confirmed high selectivity toward the two-electron oxygen reduction pathway. This study introduces a ternary heterojunction strategy and provides insights into the role of crystalline structure and heterointerface engineering in advancing dual-functional photocatalysis.

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