Issue 5, 2022

Non-stoichiometric CuxIn1−xS quantum dots for robust photodegradation of gemifloxacin: influencing parameters, intermediates, and insights into the mechanism

Abstract

Non-stoichiometric quantum dots (QDs) have gathered wide attention in advanced oxidation processes for environmental remediation due to their ability to generate highly reactive oxygen active species. Here, a series of promising non-stoichiometric CuxIn1−xS QDs were fabricated via the reflux method and examined toward the degradation of gemifloxacin (GMF) under visible light. Cu0.75In0.25S QD showed optimum activity toward GMF degradation (95% in 2 h, rate const = 258 × 10−4 min−1) with a TOC (total organic carbon) efficiency of 70% due to the non-stoichiometric arrangement of Cu and In metals, which not only promoted the spatial excitons separation efficiency but also bestowed the reducing power of photo-induced electrons as supported by the required characterization. Further, the compositional ratio and phase pure chalcopyrite CuxIn1−xS QDs indicate the good formation of the composition tunable materials. Additionally, an in-depth study was performed to study the effect of anions and pH on the degradation efficiency. Moreover, the scavenging experiments illustrate that ˙O2 and ˙OH (indirect route) radicals play a dominant role in GMF degradation, whereas the cycling test showed long-term durability of Cu0.75In0.25S QD. Eventually, the degradation route was traced by recognizing the intermediate products via. LC-MS study. This research provides an innovative platform for efficient photocatalytic pollutant degradation by non-stoichiometric CuxIn1−xS QDs in a sustainable environment.

Graphical abstract: Non-stoichiometric CuxIn1−xS quantum dots for robust photodegradation of gemifloxacin: influencing parameters, intermediates, and insights into the mechanism

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
22 Mezh. 2022
Accepted
08 Gwen. 2022
First published
21 Gwen. 2022
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022,1, 769-780

Non-stoichiometric CuxIn1−xS quantum dots for robust photodegradation of gemifloxacin: influencing parameters, intermediates, and insights into the mechanism

D. Prusty, S. Mansingh, K. K. Das, J. Sahu and K. M. Parida, Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022, 1, 769 DOI: 10.1039/D2VA00143H

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