Room temperature preparation of novel g-C3N4/RuNP/ZIF-8 Z-scheme heterojunction for solar-light driven H2 generation.

We present a novel approach for the room temperature synthesis and integration of Ru nanoparticles into a Z-scheme heterojunction comprising graphitic carbon nitride (CN) and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). This heterojunction demonstrates outstanding efficiency in sunlight-driven hydrogen (H 2) generation via water splitting. Various structural and spectroscopic analyses elucidate Ru nanoparticles' successful incorporation and synergistic effects within the CN/ZIF-8 heterojunction because the decrease in interplanar spacing due to π-π stacking interactions between aromatic rings of tri- s -triazine in CN and imidazole rings in ZIF-8. The Z-scheme configuration facilitates efficient charge separation and promotes H 2 production. Additionally, Ru nanoparticles offer alternative electron transfer pathways, enhancing carrier separation and prolonging the lifespan of photoinduced charges compared to CN and ZIF-8 alone. Notably, RZCN-2 heterojunction exhibited significantly enhanced hydrogen production, reaching 5245 μmol g−1 h−1. By analyzing work functions and energy band structures, we demonstrate that the strong interfacial electric fields across the Z-scheme heterojunction effectively mitigate the recombination of photogenerated charges while maintaining the necessary redox capacity for efficient H 2 production. The room temperature synthesis and integration of Ru nanoparticles provide a practical and effective strategy for optimizing photocatalytic activity and promoting sustainable energy conversion, thereby advancing photocatalytic technologies. • Room temperature preparation and incorporation of Ru NP into CN, and ZIF-8 to construct Z-scheme heterojunction. • Loading Ru NP enhanced NIR light absorbance for better HER. • Narrow VB energy of CN, and ZIF-8 synergistically built electric field among RZCN-2 heterojunction. • RZCN-2 photocatalyst exhibits large surface area and long decay time for photoexcited charged carriers. • The optimal RZCN-2 demonstrated outstanding H 2 generation up to 5245 μmolg−1h−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]