Employing a visible-light-driven
direct Z-scheme photocatalytic
system for the abatement of organic pollutants has become the key
scientific approach in the area of photocatalysis. In this study,
a highly efficient Z-scheme ZnIn2S4/MoO3 heterojunction was prepared through the hydrothermal method,
followed by the impregnation technique that facilitates the formation
of an interface between the two phases for efficient photocatalysis.
The structural, optical, and surface
elemental composition and morphology of the prepared samples were
characterized in detail through X-ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse
reflectance spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron
microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate
that the composite materials have a strong intimate contact between
the two phases, which is beneficial for the effective separation of
photoinduced charge carriers. The visible-light-mediated photocatalytic
activity of the samples was tested by studying the degradation of
methyl orange (MO), rhodamine B (RhB), and paracetamol in aqueous
suspension. An optimum loading content of 40 wt % ZnIn2S4/MoO3 exhibits the best degradation efficiency
toward the above pollutants compared to bare MoO3 and ZnIn2S4. The improved photocatalytic activity could
be ascribed to the efficient light-harvesting property and prolonged
charge separation ability of the Z-scheme ZnIn2S4/MoO3 catalyst. Based on reactive species determination
results, the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism of ZnIn2S4/MoO3 was discussed and proposed. This study
paves the way toward the development of highly efficient direct Z-scheme
structures for a multitude of applications.
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