Enhanced photocatalytic oxidizing ability of Zn1-xIn2x/3S solid solution via band structure by composition regulation

Rational design of solid solutions is an efficacious strategy to enhance their photocatalytic performance. In this study, Zn1-xIn2x/3S solid solution with controllable band structures was obtained by optimizing the feed ratio of Zn/In in the synthesis. The feed Zn/In ratio has important influence on the crystalline structure, morphology, light-absorption, band structure, carrier separation, ROS production and photocatalytic performance of Zn1-xIn2x/3S solid solution for the degradation of multiple pollutants. With increasing indium content in the synthesis, the band gap energy (E-g) of Zn1-xIn2x/3S solid solution gradually reduced. Zn1-xIn2x/3S solid solution showed the highest photocatalytic activity with 97.10% 2-nitrophenol removal due to high ROS generation capacity arose from the largest specific surface area and oxidizing capacity of h(+). Chloramphenicol (CAP), ceftriaxone sodium, 2-nitrophenol (2NP) and 4-nitrophenol (4NP) can be degraded by photocatalysis of Zn1-xIn2x/3S solid solution, and were decomposed to small molecules, NO3- and Cl- ions via ring opening reaction, dechloridation and denitrification, achieving efficient mineralization and toxicity reduction.

Automated summary

Rational design of solid solutions can enhance their photocatalytic performance. In this study, Zn1-xIn2x/3S solid solution with controllable band structures was obtained by optimizing the feed ratio of Zn/In in the synthesis, showing high efficiency in degrading multiple pollutants.