Direct Z-scheme CuInS2/Bi2MoO6 heterostructure for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under visible light

The construction of direct Z-scheme heterojunctions with high photocatalytic degradation ability is a theme of importance in both environmental and materials sciences, but still retains many unresolved challenges. In this article, we report the construction of Z-scheme CuInS2/Bi2MoO6 heterostructure by in-situ hydrothermal reactions, demonstrating superior photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of tetracycline under visible light, compared to their individual components: that is to say 8 and 2.5 times those of CuInS2 and Bi2MoO6, respectively. The photocatalytic performance of CuInS2/Bi2MoO6 heterostructure is mainly ascribed to the effective charge transfer at the interface through the construction of a direct Z-scheme heterojunction, combined with a ternary sulfide semiconductor absorbing light in the useful region of the solar spectrum. This photocatalyst provides new insights…