In-situ constructed 2D/2D ZnIn2S4/Bi4Ti3O12 S-scheme heterojunction for degradation of tetracycline: Performance and mechanism insights

Semiconductor materials dominated photocatalytic technology is one of the most efficient approaches to degrade organic pollutants. However, the limited light absorption range and rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers greatly restrict the application of photocatalysts. Rational design of photocatalysts to achieve high catalytic activity and stability is of great importance. Herein, ZnIn2S4/Bi4Ti3O12 S-scheme heterojunction is synthesized by growing the ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on the sheet-like Bi4Ti3O12 surface via a low-temperature solvothermal method. The TC removal efficiency of optimized heterojunction reaches 82.1% within 60 min under visible light, and the rate constant is nearly 6.8 times than that of pristine ZnIn2S4. The favorable photocatalytic performance of heterojunction is attributed to the tight contact interface and efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. Besides, the difference in work function between ZnIn2S4 and Bi4Ti3O12 leads to band bending and the establishment of built-in electric field on the contact interface of heterojunction, which facilitates the migration and separation of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, the cycling test demonstrates the attractive stability of heterojunction. The possible TC photodegradation pathways and toxicity assessment of the intermediates are also analyzed. In conclusion, this work provides an effective strategy to prepare S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts with favorable photocatalytic activity, which can enhance wastewater purification efficiency.

Automated summary

In this study, ZnIn2S4/Bi4Ti3O12 heterojunction photocatalysts were synthesized and found to exhibit excellent TC degradation under visible light. The optimized heterojunction structure showed tight contact interface and efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, the difference in work function between ZnIn2S4 and Bi4Ti3O12 facilitated the migration and separation of photogenerated carriers.