Heterogeneous CuS QDs/BiVO₄@Y₂O₂S Nanoreactor for Monitorable Photocatalysis

Exploration of multifunctional integrated catalysts is of great significance for photocatalysis toward practical application. Herein, a 1D confined nanoreactor with a heterogeneous core–shell structure is designed for synergies of efficient catalysis and temperature monitoring by custom encapsulation of Z-scheme heterojunction CuS quantum dots/BiVO₄ (CuS QDs/BiVO₄) and Y₂O₂S-Er, Yb. The dispersed active sites created by the QDs with high surface energy improve the mass transfer efficiency, and the efficient electron transport channels at the heterogeneous interface extend the carrier lifetime, which endows the nanoreactor with excellent catalytic performance. Meanwhile, real-time temperature monitoring is realized based on the thermally coupled levels ²H_11/2/⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 of Er³⁺ using fluorescence intensity ratio, which enables the monitorable photocatalysis. Furthermore, the nanoreactor with a multidimensional structure increases effective intermolecular collisions to facilitate the catalytic process by restricting the reaction within distinct enclosed spaces and circumvents potential unknown interaction effects. The design of multi-space nanoconfined reactors opens up a new avenue to modulate catalyst function, providing a unique perspective for photocatalytic applications in the mineralization of organic pollutants, hydrogen production, and nitrogen fixation.