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Abstract

There is disclosed photoactive, one-dimensional zinc and cobalt-based bimetallic oxide and sulfide nanorods (ZnCo₂O₄ NRs, ZnCo₂S₄ NRs) and their heterojunction composites (1D/1D ZnCo₂O₄/ZnCo₂S₄) to be used as photocatalysts for hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction using solar energy. Also disclosed herein, is a method of synthesizing these compounds via hydrothermal processes and a self-assembly approach. 1D/1D heterojunctions of ZnCo₂O₄/ZnCo₂S₄ composites exhibit favourable interface interactions. The photocatalytic performance of both pure and composite materials is evaluated through water splitting to produce hydrogen and CO₂ reduction to yield CO and CH₄ using slurry phase and fixed bed photoreactor systems. ZnCo₂S₄ NRs demonstrate superior hydrogen production whereas CO₂ reduction is more pronounced with ZnCo₂O₄. The highest photocatalytic efficiency is achieved using the heterojunction composites attributed to efficient charge carrier separation facilitated by a suitable band structure. The invention underscores the successful synthesis of highly efficient 1D structured materials for photocatalytic applications.

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First Claim