Enhanced photocatalytic performance of Ag/Ni(dmgH)2 heterojunction through synergistic plasmonic and Schottky junction effects

Herein, an Ag/Ni(dmgH) 2 photocatalyst was constructed through a controllable silver modification strategy. The combination of the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Ag nanoparticles and the synergistic catalytic effect of Schottky junctions significantly enhanced photogenerated carrier separation. Under optimized conditions, the Ag/Ni(dmgH) 2 system achieved a remarkable hydrogen evolution rate of 922.2 μmol/g/h under visible light, approximately 16.7 times higher than the unmodified system. Furthermore, the Ag/Ni(dmgH) 2 film fabricated via screen-printing technology effectively utilized enhanced light absorption from LSPR and efficient interfacial electron transport from Schottky junctions, achieving degradation rates of 98.9 % for Rhodamine B and 86.9 % for Quinoline Blue. The film retained 86.9 % of its activity after four cycles, demonstrating excellent recyclability. This work highlights the dual application potential of Ni(dmgH) 2 materials for photocatalytic energy conversion and environmental remediation. An Ag/Ni(dmgH) 2 heterojunction photocatalyst was prepared via controllable silver modification. The synergy between Ag's LSPR effect and Schottky junction significantly enhanced carrier separation. The photocatalyst exhibited excellent hydrogen evolution and dye degradation, demonstrating its potential for energy conversion and environmental remediation. • Enhanced carrier separation via LSPR of Ag and Schottky junction synergistic catalysis. • Ag/Ni(dmgH) 2 exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution and efficient RhB, QB degradation. • Ag/Ni(dmgH) 2 films via screen-printing are highly efficient and recyclable.