Preparation of a dual-function Ti3C2 quantum dots/ZnCo2O4/ZnIn2S4 composite materials for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution simultaneous chlorophenol contaminants degradation

The simultaneous photocatalytic hydrogen production and organic pollutant degradation offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategy for energy generation and wastewater treatment. Herein, a Ti 3 C 2 quantum dot-decorated ZnCo 2 O 4 /ZnIn 2 S 4 (TC/ZCO/ZIS) composite was fabricated via condensation reflux and electrostatic self-assembly. The intimate ZCO/ZIS heterojunction and conductive Ti 3 C 2 quantum dots promoted charge separation and electron transfer, achieving an H 2 evolution rate of 27,221.4 μmol h −1 g −1 with triethanolamine. Using 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol as electron donors, degradation efficiencies reached 92.0%, 84.0%, and 81.3% after 4 h, accompanied by H 2 evolution rates of 468.4, 407.3, and 319.5 μmol h −1 g −1 , respectively. Characterization and mechanism studies confirmed that the synergistic heterojunction and Ti 3 C 2 quantum dots accelerated charge separation, providing an efficient dual-functional photocatalyst for wastewater remediation and sustainable hydrogen production.