Assisting a Type-II Heterojunction with the LSPR Effect for Realizing Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Evolution with NIR Apparent Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 0.5%

Designing heterojunction catalysts for the production of hydrogen peroxide is a crucial strategy for advancing the field of artificial photosynthesis. However, conventional type-II heterojunction catalysts often face challenges of weak redox ability and the utilization of charge carriers. Herein, a distinct strategy is proposed that combines type-II heterojunctions with a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, thereby cooperatively enhancing the utilization of high-energy electrons through the hot electron injection process. The optimized catalyst MoO_3-x-ZnIn₂S₄ (VMZS) exhibits H₂O₂ production (47.2 μmol g^-1 min^-1) under simulated sunlight (AM1.5G, 100 mW cm^-2) with a filter (λ > 350 nm) and an apparent quantum efficiency of 0.5% at 940 nm, significantly exceeding previously reported state-of-the-art catalysts. Moreover, the prepared film of VMZS enables a H₂O₂ production rate of 338.1 μM h^-1. This work provides a new insight on designing heterojunction catalyst systems through the synergistic contribution of the type-II carrier transfer route and LSPR effect.