Strategic Core‐Shell Integration for Advancing Z‐Scheme Heterojunctions: Interface‐Engineered ZnIn2S4/Ag2WO4@Ag Ternary Architecture for Enhanced Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic H2 Production and Pollutant Degradation

Abstract

The spatial inhomogeneity of interfacial modifications, despite conventional approaches like co‐catalyst deposition and dopant incorporation, presents a critical bottleneck in achieving optimal charge carrier dynamics and sustained photocatalytic performance at semiconductor heterojunctions. To address this challenge, this study introduces a novel approach by encapsulating the wide‐bandgap semiconductor Ag2WO4 (AWO) in a particulate shell of plasmonic hot spots (metallic Ag), forming a well‐defined interface that facilitates consistent charge transfer and enhances photocatalytic efficiency. The engineered Ag2WO4@Ag (AWO@Ag) is strategically integrated with ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) nanosheets to design core–shell integrated Z‐scheme heterojunction. The optimized integration of AWO@Ag (12.5%) over ZIS nanosheets demonstrates a remarkable hydrogen generation performance, achieving 3142 µmol h−1g−1, surpassing the performance of pure ZnIn2S4 (1311 µmol h−1g−1). Through rational interface design with strong redox abilities, the system achieves an impressive methyl orange photodegradation efficiency of 97.16% within 60 min. Additionally, it exhibits photoanodic currents of 3.98 mA cm−2 at 2.2 V versus RHE in a neutral electrolytic medium, demonstrating enhanced water oxidation capability facilitated by AWO@Ag integration. The system's exceptional performance across hydrogen generation, dye degradation, and water oxidation, validates that this advanced structural design enables stable and sustained photocatalytic performance through its multifunctional properties.