TiO2@ZnFe2O4 heterojunctions for effecicent photocatalytic degradation of persistent pollutants and hydrogen evolution

Designing and fabricating the double-capability photocatalysts with the capability of producing hydrogen from the splitting of water and degrading environmental organic pollutants under visible light irradiation are significant in environmental treatment and new energy preparation. As a proof of concept, TiO2@ZnFe2O4 heterojunctions with high performance and stability were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method, in which TiO2 nanosheets successfully grew on the main body of ZnFe2O4 nanorods. The microstructures and morphologies of the as-produced composites as well as their photocatalytic hydrogen generation rate and photocatalytic degradation performances towards humic acid, florfeniol, tetracyclines, and bisphenol A were investigated. The results indicate that TiO2@ZnFe2O4 heterojunctions possessed the higher photocatalytic activities towards hydrogen production and contaminants degradation ability than that of only TiO2 and ZnFe2O4. Especially, TiO2@ZnFe2O4 heterojunctions with the molar ratio of 1:4 have the best activities and manifest good stability. Significant enhancement of visible light absorption and photogenerated charge separation of TiO2@ZnFe2O4 were achieved. This work paves a way to construct a low-cost, environment-friendly, recyclable, and nonpoisonous photocatalysts for hydrogen generation and the degradation of pollutants.