A new core–shell Z-scheme heterojunction structured La(OH)3@In2S3 composite with superior photocatalytic performance

Constructing Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst with strong redox ability to make for enhanced photocatalytic performance and efficient charge separation is extremely attractive but still underdeveloped. Herein, a Z-scheme heterojunction structured La(OH)3@In2S3 composite (labeled by “LIS”) with photocatalytic for the methylene orange (MO) degradation under simulated light irradiation has been developed. The as-prepared LIS, together with commercial La(OH)3 and pure In2S3 fabricated with the identical processing method and starting materials as those of LIS, was characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectra and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show the heterojunction of La(OH)3/In2S3 has prolonged the lifetime of the photo-generated carriers. The photocatalytic activity test shows that over only a small amount (0.02 g in 100 ml MO) of LIS, the photodegradation rate of 95% toward MO can be obtained in 90 min, which is about 3.4 times higher than that over pure In2S3. The active species trapping experiments indicate that there were four active species playing roles in photodegradation as the following order: e– = ∙OH < h+ < ∙O2–. A mechanism of Z-scheme heterojunction was proposed and well explained the enhanced photocatalytic performance. This work provides a new cost-effective photocatalyst with high photocatalytic properties.