Construction of a hierarchical ZnIn2S4/C3N4 heterojunction for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

Abstract

Efficient charge separation and sufficiently exposed active sites are both critical limiting factors for solar-driven organic contaminant degradation. Herein, we describe a hierarchical heterojunction photocatalyst fabricated by the in situ growth of ZnIn₂S₄ nanosheets on micro-tubular C₃N₄ (denoted as ZIS/TCN). This ZIS/TCN heterojunction photocatalyst can take advantage of the hollow structure with stronger light absorption capacity and more active sites, and its heterostructure can accelerate the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. The optimized ZIS/TCN-3 exhibits superb photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of tetracycline (86.1%, 60 min), maintains excellent stability and recyclability, and provides a facile strategy for the synthesis of efficient heterojuction photocatalysts towards wastewater treatment. In addition, the plausible photocatalytic degradation pathway of tetracycline is proposed according to the intermediates identified by LC-mass analysis.