Atomic‐Scale Structurally Locked 1T / 2H ‐ MoS 2 / ZnS Z‐Scheme Heterojunctions for Prolonged Charge Kinetics and Dual‐Functional Photocatalysis

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Authors: J H Lee, Yong Wook Kim, Byeong Sub Kwak, Suyeon Lee, G J Kim, Buseong Kim, Harim Jeong, Younghwan Im, Sadanand Pandey, Hojun Moon, Misook Kang
Cited by: 1
References: 51

Abstract

The simultaneous realization of high‐efficiency solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion and robust environmental remediation is fundamentally constrained by the redox paradox and rapid carrier recombination in conventional heterojunctions. Herein, we report a carefully engineered 0D/2D 1T/2H‐MoS 2 /ZnS Z‐scheme heterojunction featuring an atomic‐scale structurally locked interface. The metallic 1T‐phase of MoS 2 was strategically integrated as a multifunctional electronic actuator, facilitating a seamless charge‐transfer bridge between ZnS and MoS 2 . The optimized 0.3MoS 2 /ZnS composite delivered an exceptional dual‐functional performance, exhibiting a cumulative hydrogen evolution of 2210.33 μmol g −1 cat (approx. 45 times higher than pristine MoS 2 ) and achieving 100% degradation of high‐concentration Malachite Green (50 mg L −1 ) within 180 min. Advanced kinetic investigations via IMVS and time‐resolved photoluminescence unveiled an ultrafast extraction–delayed recombination paradigm, where the recombination lifetime (τ rec ) was dramatically prolonged to 0.396 s, representing a competitive performance among reported sulfide‐based photocatalysts. Electron paramagnetic resonance and DFT calculations confirmed that the superior activity originates from a direct Z‐scheme pathway empowered by the electronic hybridization of Zn 3d/S 3p and Mo 4d orbitals at the intimate interface. Furthermore, the 0.3MoS 2 /ZnS catalyst demonstrated remarkable photostability and phase integrity, with the metastable 1T phase effectively preserved over 50 h of continuous operation. This work establishes a sophisticated kinetic and thermodynamic framework for designing metallic‐phase‐mediated Z‐scheme architectures for integrated solar energy conversion and ecological restoration.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques 2D Materials and Applications TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells

Publication details

Journal / source
Energy & environment materials
Publisher
Wiley
Publication date
27 July 2026
Language
EN