One-step synthesis of a hierarchical Bi2S3 nanoflower\In2S3 nanosheet composite with efficient visible-light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

In this study, hierarchical nanoflower superstructures composed of In₂S₃ nanosheets grown on a Bi₂S₃ nanoflower backbone (denoted as Bi₂S₃\In₂S₃) are fabricated by a facile one-step solvothermal route based on different growth rates of two kinds of sulphides. The Bi₂S₃ nanoflowers were first formed due to a quick growth rate, which serves as the substrate for the growth of In₂S₃ ultra-thin nanosheets with a relatively slow reaction rate to form a hierarchical Bi₂S₃\In₂S₃ composite superstructure. The introduction of In₂S₃ nanosheets on the surface of the Bi₂S₃ nanoflower can not only increase visible-light response, but also remarkably promote the photogenerated charge transport and separation driven by the heterojunction. Because of their marked synergistic effects, the as-prepared hierarchical Bi₂S₃ nanoflower\In₂S₃ nanosheet superstructures exhibit significant visible-light photocatalytic activity and stability for the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol.