Cu/Zn-bimetallic organic framework-derived RGO/CuO–ZnO Z-scheme heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

Bimetallic-organic frameworks and their derivatives have attracted intensive attention in the field of photocatalytic hydrogen production due to their high porosity, distinctive three-dimensional structure, and favorable specific surface area. Despite these advantages, the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production remains unsatisfactory owing to rapid complexation of electron-hole pairs and limited visible light utilization. Herein, in this work, the autogenous CuO–ZnO heterojunction nanoparticles are assembled on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) by calcining copper-zinc bimetallic-organic frameworks. The autogenous heterojunctions offer numerous active sites and enhance electron transfer at tightly bound heterogeneous interfaces. Furthermore, RGO acts as a co-catalyst or substrate, improving photocatalytic performance with its high surface area and excellent electron transport properties. Consequently, the RGO/CuO–ZnO Z-scheme heterojunction achieves an impressive hydrogen production rate of 479.73 μmol g −1  h −1 , which is 94.06 times higher than that of pristine ZnO. Overall, this work optimizes the potential of metal-organic framework-derived photocatalysts in hydrogen production and offers valuable insights into the effective construction of autogenous heterojunctions.