Pt/Mo Cocatalyst-Modified g-C3N4/ZnIn2S4 Heterojunctions: Electron–Hole Separation Boosted Selective Photocatalytic Plastic Upcycling

Abstract

Addressing the plastic waste crisis requires efficient photoreforming strategies. Although graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) shows promise, rapid charge recombination and scarce active sites limit its catalytic performance. Herein, a g-C3N4/zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn2S4) heterojunction modified with synergistic Pt/Mo dual cocatalysts (CPZM) is fabricated to boost plastic photoreforming. The heterojunction promotes charge separation, while Pt/Mo cocatalysts accelerate charge transfer. During polylactic acid conversion, CPZM achieves a remarkable H2 evolution rate of 29.1 mmol g–1 h–1, alongside a pyruvic acid (PA) production of 6.5 mmol g–1 h–1 at 90% selectivity and an acetic acid (AcOH) yield of 0.73 mmol g–1 h–1. This work offers a viable strategy for plastic valorization to advance circular economy.