In2S3/BiOI composites boost visible-light photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

In2S3/BiOI composites were synthesized at room temperature which significantly improved the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) under visible light irradiation. Structure and morphology characterization techniques have been performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). The separation ability of photogenerated carriers is enhanced due to the formation of heterojunctions of the composites. The best performance is obtained when the content of In2S3 is 7 wt%. Compared with In2S3 and BiOI alone, 7-In2S3/BiOI has the highest specific surface area and can provide more active sites. Based on the photo-electrochemical characterization and free radical tests, a photocatalytic mechanism of In2S3/BiOI composites in the presence of superoxide radicals (O-2(-)) and holes (h(+)) is reasonably proposed.

Automated summary

In2S3/BiOI composites synthesized at room temperature significantly enhance the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride under visible light irradiation. The heterojunctions of the composites enhance the separation ability of photogenerated carriers, with the 7-In2S3/BiOI composite achieving the best performance. The photocatalytic mechanism of In2S3/BiOI composites involving superoxide radicals and holes is proposed based on photo-electrochemical characterization and free radical tests.