Rapid transfer pathways formed with bimetallic oxides and nickel boosting photocatalytic hydrogen production

Photocatalytic water splitting, an ideal hydrogen production method, offers significant advantages in terms of cleanliness, efficiency, and sustainability. However, single semiconductor catalysts suffer from slow charge transfer and high electron recombination rates. Constructing heterojunctions via surface-loaded catalysts represents a promising strategy to enhance photocatalytic performance. In this study, a simple electrostatic self-assembly approach was employed to fabricate NiCo₂O₄ and NiMoO₄. For the first time, a type I NiCo₂O₄/NiMoO₄ heterojunction was successfully constructed. This heterojunction minimizes the electron transfer distance between the two catalysts, enhancing electron transfer efficiency while maintaining low electron-hole recombination. Consequently, the catalytic reaction proceeds efficiently, with the redox capacity of both catalysts preserved and their activity further improved through this hydrogen production method.