From shape to function: Constructing gourd-shaped bimetal/semiconductor hybrids for boosted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

It's a successful strategy to enhance photodynamic of electron-involved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction by the functionalized cocatalyst. Noble metals are widely used for photocatalytic H 2 production due to the suitable work function. However, the high cost and scarcity significantly restrict the overall benefit. Therefore, we engineered a cost-effective photocatalyst through FeNi alloy cocatalyst modification, wherein the unique gourd-shaped architecture enables significantly enhanced electron transport dynamics. Importantly, the intimate contact between the FeNi alloy and ZnSe semiconductor facilitates the formation of a Schottky junction at their interface. This Schottky junction acts as an efficient electron sink, promoting the directional transfer of photogenerated electrons from ZnSe to the FeNi cocatalyst while simultaneously suppressing detrimental charge recombination. As a result, the hybrid FeNi/ZnSe photocatalyst achieves an impressive hydrogen production rate of 3252.17 μmol g −1  h −1 under visible-light irradiation, which is higher than that of pristine ZnSe (1017.14 μmol g −1  h −1 ) by over 300 %, and exceeds Pt/ZnSe (2183.29 μmol g −1  h −1 ) by over 100 %. In addition, DFT calculations show a superior Gibbs Free Energy for photocatalytic H 2 production on the FeNi surface. This study not only provides valuable insights into the rational design and functional optimization of high-performance cocatalysts but also highlights the crucial role of Schottky junction-mediated interface engineering in boosting visible-light-driven photocatalytic H 2 evolution (PHE).