CdS-loaded three-dimensional ordered macroporous composite material In2O3-TiO2: Construction of type II heterostructure and enhancement of photocatalytic performance

With the help of polystyrene template, the indium oxide-titanium dioxide (In2O3-TiO2) composite with a three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) structure was synthesized first, then cadmium sulfide (CdS) was loaded on the surface, and eventually 3DOM CdS/In2O3-TiO2 composites were prepared. 3DOM CdS/In2O3-TiO2 mainly presents the anatase structure of TiO2, while CdS and In2O3 exist in the composite with low crystallinity. Compared with the monomer, the light absorption performance of the composite is significantly improved. The regular and well-organized three-dimensional ordered macroporous structure broadens the absorption of visible light, optimizes the charge transfer efficiency, and extends the photogenerated carrier life. The presence of heterojunctions in 3DOM CdS/In2O3-TiO2 leads to enhanced performance of photodegradation and photolysis of water for hydrogen production. In particular, the hydrogen production of 3DOM CdS/In2O3-TiO2 is 40.7 times that of the commercially available P25. Through the capture experiments, the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism was speculated.