Electron transport channel-mediated Z-type α-MnO2/Cd1.7In2S4.7 heterojunction for photocatalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dicarbonylfuran

Designing catalysts with suitable valence conduction band positions to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) with moderate redox capacity is to achieve efficient photocatalytic biomass-selective value-added oxidation. This protocol addresses the issue by tuning material structural defects, altering the surface electronic structure, and ultimately enhancing the raw material’s performance. Here, an appropriate amount of one - dimensional nanorods α -MnO 2 adjusted material structural defects, increased the adsorbed oxygen (O ads )/lattice oxygen (O latt ) and Mn 3+ ratios, and served as an electron transport conduit, facilitating O₂ activation to generate ROS. The Cd 1.7 In 2 S 4.7 solid solution enables the optimal valence band position by adjusting the Cd 2+ : In 3+ ratio, thus selectively oxidizing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-dicarbonylfuran (DFF). In situ XPS revealed that photogenerated electrons in Cd 1.7 In 2 S 4.7 quickly transferred to the conduction band of α -MnO 2 , and photogenerated holes from α -MnO 2 moved to the valence band of Cd 1.7 In 2 S 4.7 . This significantly enhanced the separation and transfer efficiency of photogenerated carriers at the interface. The optimal sample achieved 56% conversion of HMF and 72% selectivity of DFF under simulated sunlight. This protocol provides a new approach for the establishment of electron transport channel structures based on α -MnO 2 constructs and value-added biomass photocatalytic conversion under simulated sunlight.