Preparation of ZnFe₂O₄ nanostructures and highly efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen generation with the assistance of nanoheterostructures

Abstract

ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO nanoheterostructures are synthesized by a facile template method. The hydrogen generation rate of ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO nanoheterostructures without co-catalysts is up to 2.15 mmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ under visible light irradiation (<italic>λ</italic> &gt; 420 nm), which is 45 times higher than the best yields ever reported for ZnFe₂O₄-based photocatalysts.