An efficient charge-carrier separation in vanadium-based MXene ternary heterostructure with enhanced photoelectrocatalytic properties
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) and zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn 2 S 4 ) are among photocatalysts with excellent light absorption properties. However, single photocatalyst suffers from rapid charge carrier recombination. For improved photoelectrocatalytic properties, herein, we report fabrication of a novel S-scheme ternary heterostructure (V 2 CT x @WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 ). Due to the high electrical conductivity of V 2 CT x MXene, its presence in the heterostructure offers efficient charge transfer kinetics at the interface. Monoclinic WO 3 and cubic ZnIn 2 S 4 were confirmed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy including crystallite size and micro-strain. Ternary composites demonstrated red shift in light absorption wavelength, with band gap energies as low as 1.58 eV compared to 2.21 for ZnIn 2 S 4 and 2.55 eV for WO 3 . Photoluminescence and electron impedance spectroscopy demonstrated effective charge separation with low charge transfer resistance by the ternary composite (5 % VWZ). Work functions for ZnIn 2 S 4 (6.68 eV), WO 3 (7.08 eV), and V 2 CT x (8.70 eV) confirmed the creation of an internal electric field at the interface of the semiconductors. Electron migration occurred from ZnIn 2 S 4 to WO 3 due to changes in binding energies as indicated by XPS data confirming S-scheme heterostructure. • S-scheme ternary heterostructure (V 2 CT x @WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 ) demonstrated improved photoelectrochemical properties. • V 2 CT x MXene with high electrical conductivity accelerates efficient charge transfer and separation. • 5 % -V 2 CT x @WO 3 /ZnIn 2 S 4 manifested excellent photoelectrochemical properties with photogenerated electron lifetime of 63.06 ms.
Source: FlatChem
Institution: University of Johannesburg
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,140
Funders: Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa, National Research Foundation, University of Johannesburg, Fonds Roberto Cimetta, University Research Council, DePaul University, Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University
OpenAlex ID: W4409252620