What question did this study set out to answer?

To develop a highly efficient photocatalyst for methanol oxidation and synchronous hydrogen generation using a novel heterojunction.

February 8, 2026Open Access

Constructing Cu3P Quantum Dots/Cu-Doped ZnIn2S4 p-n Heterojunctions for Efficient Methanol Oxidation Coupled with Synchronous Hydrogen Generation

Key Points

To develop a highly efficient photocatalyst for methanol oxidation and synchronous hydrogen generation using a novel heterojunction.
Synthesis of Cu3P quantum dots and Cu-doped ZnIn2S4 p-n junction.
Characterization using X-ray diffraction, photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and reflectance spectroscopy.
Evaluation of photocatalytic efficiency for methanol conversion and hydrogen production.
Achieved photocatalytic conversion efficiency for methanol oxidation of 10.34 mmol·g−1·h−1 for H2 production.
Formaldecahyde and ethylene glycol yields were 10.35 mmol·g−1·h−1 and 8.84 mmol·g−1·h−1, respectively.
Yields were 3.01, 3.05, and 3.10 times higher than pure ZnIn2S4.

Abstract

The solar-driven direct conversion of methanol to ethylene glycol, formaldehyde and simultaneous H2 generation is an appealing strategy for converting sunlight to chemical energy. However, the low efficiency and stability of the photocatalyst remain critical bottlenecks hindering the practical implementation of this reaction. Herein, we synthesized the Cu3P quantum dots/Cu-doped ZnIn2S4 p-n junction for efficient methanol oxidation and synchronous H2 generation. The highly dispersed Cu3P quantum dots promote electron–hole separation and furnish abundant catalytic sites. Moreover, the constructed p-n junction with a tight interface boosts the electron transfer, avoiding the serious photocorrosion of ZnIn2S4. Benefiting from these synergistic effects, the 2Cu3P/Cu0.5ZIS composite exhibits the highest photocatalytic conversion efficiency of methanol, yielding H2, formaldehyde, and ethylene glycol with 10.34 mmol·g−1·h−1, 10.35 mmol·g−1·h−1 and 8.84 mmol·g−1·h−1 yields, which are 3.01, 3.05 and 3.10 times those of pure ZnIn2S4, respectively. A series of characterizations including X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy are employed to analyze the structure, composition, and photoelectrochemical properties of the materials. This work demonstrates a novel catalyst design paradigm for the high-efficiency solar light-driven photocatalytic activation of methanol enabling the co-production of value-added C1/C2 oxygenates and clean H2 fuel simultaneously.

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