Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    ϒ-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst: Polarization-driven charge separation beyond interfacial limitations

    Zi-Xuan Yang1, Lei Li1, Tao Huang1,2, Hui Wan1,3, X. S. Wang1,*, Gui-Fang Huang1,†, Wangyu Hu4, and Wei-Qing Huang1,‡

    • 1Department of Applied Physics, School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
    • 2School of Materials Engineering, Xihang University, Xian, 710077, China
    • 3School of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410082, China
    • 4College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China

    • *Contact author: justicewxs@hnu.edu.cn
    • †Contact author: gfhuang@hnu.edu.cn
    • ‡Contact author: wqhuang@hnu.edu.cn

    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 ϒ-scheme heterojunction that harnesses two oppositely oriented polarization fields to establish an unconventional charge-transfer pathway. Specifically, polarized Janus monolayers (M−M′−C−X−X′; M/M′=Sc, Y; X/X′=F, Cl, Br, H) are integrated with ferroelectric MXenes (M2CO2; 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.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation