In2S3/In2O3 Nanocomposite In Situ Forming an S-Scheme Heterojunction for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline under Visible Light

The overuse of antibiotics has led to severe environmental pollution, thereby making it increasingly important to efficiently degrade them. To address this, a unique S-scheme heterojunction of the In2S3/In2O3 nanocomposite was successfully constructed using hydrothermal coupled with in situ formation in this work. The optimized In2S3/In2O3 nanocomposite exhibited a significant photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC), achieving an 83% removal rate within 60 min, with enhancements of 1.78 times for In2S3 and 1.66 times for In2O3. Characterization, experimental results, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation collectively prove the efficient transfer of photoexcited carriers between In2O3 and In2S3, coupled with the successful construction of the S-scheme heterojunction with a well-arranged band structure. A potential pathway for developing photocatalysts with exceptional antibiotic removal capabilities has been provided by enhancing their reduction and oxidation capabilities of the S-scheme heterojunction through rational structural configuration.