Synergistical photo-thermal-catalysis of Zn2GeO4:xFe3+ for H2 evolution in NaBH4 hydrolysis reaction

Herein, we reported the systematic investigation of synergistic photo-thermal-catalysis for NaBH4 hydrolysis reaction based on zinc orthogermanate. A series of Zn2GeO4:xFe3+ (x = 0 to 0.10) catalysts were prepared via solvothermal method. The H2 evolution experiments demonstrated that the photogenerated holes trap OH− not only shifted the equilibrium of NaBH4 hydrolysis reaction toward the direction of H2 evolution, but also inhibited the recombination of photogenerated carriers. With the remarkable photo-thermal synergism for the as-prepared catalysts, the H2 evolution rate in photo-thermal-driven condition had witnessed several times higher than that in mono-energy driven condition. The catalysts remained stable after circulation tests. [Display omitted] •First study on conventional photocatalyst for H2 evolution in NaBH4 hydrolysis reaction•Photogenerated holes a crucial role in NaBH4 hydrolysis reaction•The mechanism of synergistically photo-thermal-catalytic effect was proposed and verified by deuterium labeling method.