Delicate Design of ZnS@In₂S₃ Core–Shell Structures with Modulated Photocatalytic Performance under Simulated Sunlight Irradiation

Abstract

ZnS@In2S3 core–shell structures with high photocatalytic activity have been delicately designed and synthesized. The unique structure and synergistic effects of the composites have an important influence on the improvement of photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity has been studied by photodegrading individual eosin B (EB) and the mixture solution consisting of eosin B and rhodamine B (EB-RhB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under simulated sunlight irradiation. The results show that all of the photocatalysts with different contents of In2S3 exhibit enhanced catalytic activity compared to pure ZnS for the degradation of EB and EB-RhB solution. When the theoretical molar ratio of ZnS to In2S3 was 1:0.5, the composite presents the highest photocatalytic efficiency, which could eliminate more than 98% of EB and 94% of EB-RhB. At the same time, after five cycles of photocatalytic tests, the photocatalytic efficiency could be about 96% for the degradation of the EB solution, and relatively high photocatalytic activity could also be obtained for the degradation of the EB-RhB mixed solution. This work has proposed a facile synthetic process to realize the controlled preparation of core–shell ZnS@In2S3 composites with effectively modulated structures and compositions, and the composites have also proved to be high-efficiency photocatalysts for the disposal of complicated pollutants.