Introducing phosphorus and sulfur into nickel-zeolite imidazolium framework-based carbon to form junction for enhanced photocatalytic H2 generation

Herein, a novel paradigm of carbon-based heterojunctions, including Ni 2 P/N-doped carbon (Ni 2 P-NC) and NiS 2 /N-doped carbon (NiS 2 -NC), are successfully prepared by using nickel-based zeolite imidazolium framework (Ni-ZIF) material as precursor via a one-step calcination method to introduce phosphorus and sulfur atoms in the carbonization process. Owing to the formation of Ni 2 P and NiS 2 in these heterojunctions, the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers are significantly enhanced, thus greatly improving the H 2 yield ability, up to 6.74 mmol/g of Ni 2 P-NC and 2.02 mmol/g of NiS 2 -NC, which are about 3.96 and 1.2 times higher than that of the Ni-NC, respectively. Under the action of eosin-Y photosensitizer, the apparent quantum efficiency of Ni 2 P-NC at 365 nm is 41.4%. Furthermore, the H 2 production mechanism in the Ni 2 P-NC/Eosin Y/TEOA system has been discussed in details. This work could inspire the design and construction of MOF-derived high-performance hydrogen evolution photocatalysts. • A novel Ni 2 P/N-doped carbon material was constructed for boosting solar to hydrogen conversion. • The formed heterostructure promotes photoinduced charge separation and transportation efficiencies. • The Ni 2 P as an electron donor is beneficial to further improve the key intermediate formation.