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Unveiling the potential of ZnIn2S4/γ-Al2O3 heterojunction for cocatalyst-free hydrogen generation and high-performance supercapacitors

Author

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  • Talmale, Awanti S.
  • Mondal, Dipanwita
  • Singh, Rudra P.
  • Deolikar, Gaurav L.
  • Mourya, Adarsh K.
  • Motghare, Ramani V.
  • Wankhade, Atul V.

Abstract

Advancing renewable energy technologies necessitates photocatalysts that synergistically integrate exceptional efficiency with environmental sustainability. This study presents a rationally designed novel ZnIn2S4/γ-Al2O3 nanocomposite, wherein γ-Al2O3 transcends its conventional passive-support role to actively modulate charge carrier dynamics through surface electrostatic effects, enabling bifunctionality in visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and electrochemical energy storage. Comprehensive characterization via PXRD, UV–Vis DRS, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, XPS, BET, TG-DTA, CV, GCD, EIS, and Mott-Schottky analyses confirmed the formation of an electronically integrated heterointerface with high surface area, diminished charge-transfer resistance, and favourable interfacial band alignment. The 10 % ZnIn2S4/γ-Al2O3 nanocomposite achieved a remarkable hydrogen evolution rate of 1172 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light without cocatalyst, substantially surpassing pristine ZnIn2S4. This enhancement originates from a surface-potential-driven electrostatic charge separation mechanism, wherein negatively charged Al-O- surface groups and defect-induced trap states within non-photoactive γ-Al2O3 create localized interfacial field that facilitates spatial charge separation and dual-pathway hole scavenging. Concurrently, the nanocomposite delivered superior supercapacitor performance, exhibiting a specific capacitance of 450 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, with corresponding energy and power densities of 56.25 Wh kg−1 and 892 W kg−1, respectively. This synergistic integration positions ZnIn2S4/γ-Al2O3 as a compelling dual-functional platform for integrated solar energy conversion and electrochemical storage.

Suggested Citation

  • Talmale, Awanti S. & Mondal, Dipanwita & Singh, Rudra P. & Deolikar, Gaurav L. & Mourya, Adarsh K. & Motghare, Ramani V. & Wankhade, Atul V., 2026. "Unveiling the potential of ZnIn2S4/γ-Al2O3 heterojunction for cocatalyst-free hydrogen generation and high-performance supercapacitors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:259:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125026989
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.125034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ishaq, Abubakar & Rafiq, Khezina & Abid, Muhammad Zeeshan & Aiman, Umme & Hussain, Ejaz, 2024. "Unveiling the potential of Au cocatalysts to induce SPR charges on CuO/CdS system for sunlight driven hydrogen production†," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(PD).
    2. Ding, Qun & Zou, Xuejun & Ke, Jun & Dong, Yuying & Cui, Yubo & Lu, Guang & Ma, Hongchao, 2023. "S-scheme 3D/2D NiCo2O4@g-C3N4 hybridized system for boosting hydrogen production from water splitting," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 677-685.
    3. Khalafallah, Diab & Quan, Xinyao & Ouyang, Chong & Zhi, Mingjia & Hong, Zhanglian, 2021. "Heteroatoms doped porous carbon derived from waste potato peel for supercapacitors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 60-71.
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