A distinct hollow spindle-like CdIn2S4 photocatalyst for high-efficiency tetracycline removal

Due to the massive release of antibiotics into the environment, it is of great emergency to find an effective approach to deal with antibiotic-containing wastewater. Photocatalytic technology, benefiting from its low cost and high efficiency, is deemed to be an appealing strategy. Photocatalytic-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a promising but challenging prospect in water purification and environmental remediation. Herein, we fabricated a spindle-like hollow CdIn2S4 (HCIS) photocatalytic system for high-efficiency tetracycline removal. Targeting MIL-88A (Fe) as a template, the obtained CdIn2S4 photocatalysts reserved intrinsic spindle-like morphology. Compared with Bulk CdIn2S4 (BCIS), this unique hollow structure enhanced light absorption capacity and boosted carriers separation. As a result, the photodegradation efficiency reached over 94.5% within 40 min under visible light illumination. The degradation rate constant was four times higher than that of pristine CdIn2S4. We believe this work will endow some lights for the design of hollow catalysts in other environmental applications. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Due to the release of antibiotics into the environment, it is urgent to find effective methods for treating antibiotic-containing wastewater. Photocatalytic technology, which can generate reactive oxygen species, shows promise for water purification and environmental remediation. In this study, a spindle-like hollow CdIn2S4 photocatalytic system was developed for efficient tetracycline removal. The hollow structure improved light absorption and carriers separation, resulting in a degradation efficiency of over 94.5% within 40 minutes under visible light. The degradation rate constant was four times higher than that of the pristine CdIn2S4. This work provides insights for the design of hollow catalysts in other environmental applications.