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.