Authors: Runlin Chen, Hongming Lou, Yuxia Pang, Dongjie Yang, Xueqing Qiu
Published: 2023-09-30
Source: Full article
AbstractAchieving superior photomineralization of pollutants relies on a rational design of a dual S‐scheme with a robust internal electric field (IEF). In this study, to tackle the low mineralization rate in type‐II In2O3/In2S3(IO/IS) systems, an organic–inorganic dual S‐scheme In2O3/PDI/In2S3(IO/PDI/IS) nanostructured photocatalyst is synthesized via a method combining solvent‐induced self‐assembly and electrostatic forces. Due to the unique energy band position and strong IEF, the photoinduced defect‐transit dual S‐scheme IO/PDI/IS facilitates the degradation of lignin and antibiotics. Notably, a promising mineralization rate of 80.9% for sodium lignosulfonate (SL) is achieved. The charge transport pathway of IO/PDI/IS are further validated through the analysis of in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (in situ XPS), density functional theory calculations, and radical trapping experiments. In‐depth, two possible pathways for the photocatalytic degradation of lignin are proposed based on the intermediates monitored by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). This study presents a new strategy for the design of organic–inorganic dual S‐scheme photocatalysts with a robust IEF for pollutant degradation.