An embedded ReS2@MAPbBr3 heterostructure with downhill interfacial charge transfer for photocatalytic upgrading of biomass-derived alcohols to aldehydes and H2

Solar-driven selective upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass-derived alcohols to value-added chemicals and clean fuel hydrogen (H2) shows great potential for tackling the energy crisis and environmental pollution issues. Here, we construct a MAPbBr3/ReS2 heterostructure by embedding distorted tetragonal (1T) phase ReS2 nanoflowers into large-sized MAPbBr3 for green value-added utilization of biomass-derived alcohols. The embedded structure effectively enlarges the contact interface between the ReS2 and the MAPbBr3, and importantly, induces a strong built-in electric field aligned between the spatially well-defined MAPbBr3 and ReS2 nanoflowers. Moreover, the distorted 1T phase ReS2 with low work function well matches the energy band of MAPbBr3, forming a heterostructure with a downward band bending at the interface. These features empower the MAPbBr3/ReS2 photocatalyst with high capability to promote charge separation and expedite the surface redox reaction. Consequently, optimal BAD and H2 production rates of about 1220 μmol h−1 g−1 are realized over a MAPbBr3/ReS2 2% sample, which are approximately 9 times greater than those of blank MAPbBr3. This work demonstrates the great potential of constructing an embedded transition metal dichalcogenide@metal halide perovskites heterostructure with downhill interfacial charge transfer for photocatalytic upgrading of biomass-derived alcohols.