ϒ-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst: Polarization-driven charge separation beyond interfacial limitations
Phys. Rev. Applied 26, 024082 – Published 28 August, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/48s9-mn9m
Abstract
Interfacial electric fields are widely exploited in heterojunction photocatalysts to promote charge separation. However, conventional type-II heterojunctions inevitably suffer from severe loss of redox potential, while Z-/S-scheme architectures retain strong redox capability only at the expense of substantial carrier consumption. Here, we propose a polarization-driven -scheme heterojunction that harnesses two oppositely oriented polarization fields to establish an unconventional charge-transfer pathway. Specifically, polarized Janus monolayers (; , Y; , Cl, Br, H) are integrated with ferroelectric MXenes (; M Sc, Y), enabling intralayer electron migration toward high-potential regions and hole migration toward low-potential regions. This mechanism preserves intrinsic redox potentials while suppressing interfacial recombination, thereby facilitating near-complete utilization of photogenerated carriers. Consequently, oxidation and reduction reactions are spatially separated at the surface and interface, respectively. Our strategy resolves the long-standing dilemma between maintaining strong redox potentials and maximizing carrier utilization, offering a robust design principle for next-generation high-efficiency photocatalysts.