Z-scheme Bi2O3/Bi/ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst for enhancing the removal performance of Cr(VI), 2,4-dinitrophenol and tetracycline

Construction of heterojunctions is conventionally regarded as the prevailing technique to enhance solar-driven photocatalytic water splitting and photodegradation of pollutants. Herein, we report a novel design of a ternary Bi2O3/Bi/ZnIn2S4 system, which was facilely synthesized to satisfy these stringent criteria for sunlight photocatalytic removal of organic and ionic pollutants and hydrogen evolution. Bi2O3/Bi/ZnIn2S4 could degrade 2,4-dinitrophenol (94.6%), tetracycline (96.5%), and Cr6+ (96.3%) effectively under visible light and give a hydrogen production rate of 482.5 μmol·g−1·h−1 under visible light. Based on first-principles calculations and electrochemical results, our system could be identified as a Z-scheme. Photocorrosion of the sulfide is prohibited while the catalytic capabilities are simultaneously benefited due to lowered bandgap in light harvesting, internal electric fields in charge separations, and surface plasmonic resonance enhanced electron boost.