Multifunctional 3D MoSx/Zn3In2S6 nanoflower for selective photothermal-catalytic biomass oxidative and non-selective organic pollutants degradation

Herein, we report on a 3D MoS x /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 nanoflower for efficient photocatalytic selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BA) to benzaldehyde (BAD) (100% conversion and 96.18% selectivity in 1 hour) with simultaneous H 2 coproduction. The experimental results, in combination with DFT calculations, reveal that MoS x not only endows photothermal properties of the composite but also acts as an electron transport bridge promoting photogenerated charge transfer, which in turn promotes the extraction of C α -H to produce H 2 . MoS x /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 also demonstrated strong ability to selectively oxidize a lignin model compound, 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol (PP-ol), to 2-phenoxyacetophenone (PP-one) with H 2 coproduction. When incorporated with peroxydisulfate (PDS) for organic pollutant degradation, the MoS x /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 showed exceptional efficiency with 99.51% removal of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) in 20 min. This is attributed to Mo 4+ /Mo 5+ /Mo 6+ redox interactions that activate PDS and promote generation of reactive oxygen radicals. This work provides a feasible strategy to design photocatalyst for biomass valorization and organic pollutants degradation. MoS x -induced photothermal effect accelerates interfacial charge transfer for selective alcohol (lignin model compound) oxidative synergistic hydrogen evolution and enhanced synergistic effect for photocatalytic/peroxydisulfate-activated degradation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole • MoS x endows the photothermal properties of 3D MoS x /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 nanoflower. • DFT provides evidence and guidance for the electrons transfer pathway of MoS x . • MoS x promotes the extraction of C α -H to produce H 2 . • 3D MoS x /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 nanoflower acts efficiently for real biomass photoreforming. • The Mo 4+ /Mo 5+ /Mo 6+ redox interactions enhance the degradation of MBT.