Trigger selenium sites and stable multiphasic-engineered modulated BiFeO3/MoSe2-1T/2H photocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide production

Regulating electron density at active sites holds profound importance in the advancement of highly efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. In this study, a novel and stable multiphasic BiFeO3/MoSe2-1T/2H (BFO/MSe) catalyst with selenium (Se) sites, was successfully synthesized. This catalyst exhibited distinctive multiphasic structures and an abundance of active sites, showcasing unexpectedly high activity and stability within photocatalytic systems. Notably, the optimized 4BFO/MSe demonstrated an outstanding catalytic rate for H2O2 production (1640 μmol•g−1•h−1). The spontaneously generated internal electric field facilitated charge transport, which enhanced the photocatalytic property. Moreover, the characteristics of multiphasic structures further facilitated efficient charge transfer and conduction, providing active sites. Furthermore, the electron-deficient Se sites (Seδ+) within the BFO/MSe catalysts accelerated the redox cycling of transition metals, thereby accelerating the production of reactive oxygen species. By employing multiphasic engineering and Se sites, the potential applications of catalysts in H2O2 production can be effectively broadened.