Construction of Z-scheme Ag/In2S3/ZnO nanorods composite photocatalysts for degradation of 4-nitrophenol

Herein, Ag/In2S3/ZnO nanorods (NRs) composite photocatalysts were successfully prepared via simple methods. Significantly, hydroxyl radical active substances were found in the electron spin resonance tests of In2S3/ZnO NRs and Ag/In2S3/ZnO NRs, which indicates that the oxidation reaction that oxidizes water or hydroxide ions into hydroxyl radicals occurs on the valence band of ZnO NRs. It suggests that Z-scheme heterojunction was successfully constructed. In the photocatalytic experiments of degrading 4-nitrophenol (PNP), the Ag/In2S3/ZnO NRs composite exhibits higher photocatalytic activity than ZnO NRs, In2S3, Ag/ZnO NRs and In2S3/ZnO NRs. The characteristic peak of PNP disappears completely in 50 min. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the formation of Z-scheme heterojunction between ZnO NRs and In2S3. In addition, local surface plasmon resonance of Ag and Schottky junction formed between Ag and In2S3 also promote the photocatalytic activity.

Automated summary

Ag/In2S3/ZnO nanorods composite photocatalysts were successfully prepared via simple methods, showing good activity in oxidizing water or hydroxide ions into hydroxyl radicals. The composite exhibits higher photocatalytic activity in degrading 4-nitrophenol, attributed to the formation of Z-scheme heterojunction between ZnO NRs and In2S3, as well as the local surface plasmon resonance of Ag and Schottky junction formed between Ag and In2S3.