Synthesis of In2S3/UiO-66 hybrid with enhanced photocatalytic activity towards methyl orange and tetracycline hydrochloride degradation under visible-light irradiation

In this study, a series of In2S3/UiO-66 (ISU) hybrids have been fabricated through the growth of In2S3 nanoparticles onto the surface of UiO-66 via a facile hydrothermal process. The as-obtained samples have been characterized by PXRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, UV–Vis DRS, PC, PL and BET. The photocatalytic performance is evaluated by methyl orange (MO) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation under visible light irradiation. The results show that the In2S3/UiO-66 hybrids exhibit a higher photocatalytic activity than that of the pure In2S3 and UiO-66. Interestingly, the ISU-40% possesses the highest photodegradation efficiency towards MO and TCH, which can be attributed to the strong visible light absorption, high specific surface area as well as effective separation of photo-generated electrons and holes. In addition, the photocatalysis mechanism in MO degradation process is also explored.