Synthesis of In2S3/UiO-66 hybrid with enhanced photocatalytic activity towards methyl orange and tetracycline hydrochloride degradation under visible-light irradiation

In this study, a series of In2S3/UiO-66 (ISU) hybrids have been fabricated through the growth of In2S3 nanoparticles onto the surface of UiO-66 via a facile hydrothermal process. The as-obtained samples have been characterized by PXRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, UV-Vis DRS, PC, PL and BET. The photocatalytic performance is evaluated by methyl orange (MO) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation under visible light irradiation. The results show that the In2S3/UiO-66 hybrids exhibit a higher photocatalytic activity than that of the pure In2S3 and UiO-66. Interestingly, the ISU-40% possesses the highest photodegradation efficiency towards MO and TCH, which can be attributed to the strong visible light absorption, high specific surface area as well as effective separation of photo-generated electrons and holes. In addition, the photocatalysis mechanism in MO degradation process is also explored.