Construction of a novel S-scheme AgVO3/CaIn2S4 heterostructure for efficient photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride

Abstract

Constructing an S-scheme system with highly active catalysts is a significant approach for improving the separation of photoinduced carriers to solve the related environmental aggravation. In this study, a well-designed S-scheme AgVO₃/CaIn₂S₄ photocatalyst was synthesized for water purification by in situ growing CaIn₂S₄ nanocrystals on AgVO₃ nanorod surfaces. The optimized AgVO₃/CaIn₂S₄ heterostructure demonstrates an enhanced photocatalytic efficiency (94.1%) toward tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation compared with bare AgVO₃ (42.6%) and CaIn₂S₄ (81.6%). The significant enhancement of photocatalytic activity is attributed to the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism in the AgVO₃/CaIn₂S₄ heterostructure, which effectively directs photogenerated charge migration, boosts charge transfer, and preserves the high redox capacity of photoexcited electrons and holes on different active sites. This study is expected to offer insights into strategically designing and preparing S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts to improve water purification.