Prussian Blue Analogues-Derived ZnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> in CuO/ZnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> p–n Junction for H<sub>2</sub> Production
Linh Trinh, Aleksandra Parzuch, Krzysztof Bieńkowski, Piotr Wróbel, Marcin Pisarek, Grzegorz Kaproń, Renata Solarska
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide ZnFe 2 O 4 is an n-type semiconductor spinel oxide with promising applications in various fields, including photocatalysis. This study reports the successful synthesis of a novel ZnFe 2 O 4 derivative based on Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs) through an electrosynthesis method. To enhance photocatalytic performance, the synthesized ZnFe 2 O 4 was employed as a cocatalyst in p–n junction materials, specifically CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 . Our findings reveal that introducing ZnFe 2 O 4 could significantly improve the photocatalytic activity and hydrogen (H 2 ) production rate of the CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 system compared to bare CuO. This enhancement was sustained over an extended operational period, indicating the material’s potential for long-term use in photocatalytic applications. The superior performance of the ZnFe 2 O 4 cocatalyst is attributed to its efficient charge separation and improved light absorption properties, which collectively contribute to higher photocatalytic efficiency. This study highlights the potential of PBA-based derivative ZnFe 2 O 4 as an effective cocatalyst in developing advanced photocatalytic systems for sustainable hydrogen production.