0D/3D Bi3TaO7/ZnIn2S4 heterojunction photocatalyst towards degradation of antibiotics coupled with simultaneous H2 evolution: In situ irradiated XPS investigation and S-scheme mechanism insight

Photocatalytic pollutant degradation coupled hydrogen generation via water splitting utilizing solar energy is a highly promising method for solving the problems of environment pollution and energy shortage. However, restricted utilization efficiency of solar energy and quick recombination of photogenerated carriers of catalysts have restricted its application in photocatalytic pollutant degradation coupled hydrogen evolution. In this work, we synthesized a 0D Bi3TaO7 nanodots-decorated 3D ZnIn2S4 nanoflowers photocatalyst using a simple two-step solvothermal method. The simultaneously photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics (tetracycline) coupled with hydrogen generation was efficiently realized over the resultant S-scheme ZnIn2S4/Bi3TaO7 composites. The relationship between S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts and photocatalytic pollutant degradation coupled hydrogen evolution will be discussed. As a result, optimized ZB20 composite achieves highly efficient TC degradation rate >90% after ten cycles coupled with simultaneous H2 evolution (13.7 mu mol g-1h- 1) with Pt cocatalyst. Furthermore, interfacial transfer mechanism of S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts will be carefully examined combining in-situ characterization techniques and DFT study.

Automated summary

Photocatalytic pollutant degradation coupled hydrogen generation via water splitting utilizing solar energy is a promising method for addressing environmental pollution and energy shortage. However, the limited utilization efficiency of solar energy and quick recombination of photogenerated carriers have hindered its application. In this study, a 0D Bi3TaO7 nanodots-decorated 3D ZnIn2S4 nanoflowers photocatalyst was synthesized for efficient simultaneous photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics and hydrogen generation. The relationship between S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts and photocatalytic pollutant degradation coupled hydrogen evolution will be discussed, along with a careful examination of the interfacial transfer mechanism.