Multi-functional energy conversion by strongly coupled Ag3PO4/ZIF-67 heterostructures

The present study demonstrates a multi-functional photocatalytic energy conversion through the synergistic integration of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles with ZIF-67. Unique structures were engineered by incorporating Ag3PO4 particles into ZIF-67, resulting in Ag3PO4@ZIF-67 core-shell nanocomposites, and by decorating Ag3PO4 on ZIF-67 outer surfaces, forming Ag3PO4/ZIF-67 structures. The hydrothermal synthesis was combined with comprehensive structural, optical, and electrochemical analyses. These engineered nanocomposites were systematically investigated as photocatalysts for water splitting, CO2 reduction and N2 fixation, exhibiting remarkable performance in the diverse energy conversion reactions. Notably, Ag3PO4/ZIF-67 structures displayed the highest photocatalytic activities attributed to the large surface area, high accessibility of reactants, and the direct Z-scheme mechanism of interfacial electron-hole recombination, outperforming individual Ag3PO4 nanoparticles and ZIF-67. The Ag3PO4/ZIF-67 photocatalyst represents a significant advancement in the field and holds great promise for practical applications.