Fabrication of core–shell Prussian blue analogue@ZnIn2S4 nanocubes for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution coupled with biomass furfuryl alcohol oxidation†

Abstract

Utilizing photocatalytic technology for the value-added conversion of biomass derivatives, alongside the production of clean hydrogen energy, represents a viable approach to addressing energy and environmental challenges. However, the design of cost-effective and efficient photocatalysts remains a significant obstacle. In this work, we employed open-framework Prussian blue analogs as co-catalytic centers and combined them with ZnIn₂S₄ to construct a series of core–shell nanocube photocatalysts with varying metal compositions. This unique structure provides abundant photocatalytic redox-active sites and effectively facilitates the separation and transfer of photoinduced charges. By examining the oxidation of furfuryl alcohol (FOL) to furfural (FAL) with cooperative H₂ evolution, the optimal Ni–Co PBA@ZnIn₂S₄ sample exhibited remarkable catalytic activity, achieving H₂ and FAL yields of 739.3 and 705.2 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively, which is approximately four times greater than that achieved with bare ZnIn₂S₄. This study offers valuable insights into the design of photocatalysts and the selection of co-catalytic metal centers.