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

Highlights: • CuInS₂/Bi₂MoO₆ heterostructure was synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction. • A Z-scheme heterojunction was formed as expected. • CuInS₂/Bi₂MoO₆ heterostructure exhibited high photocatalytic activity for degrading tetracycline. 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 on the fundamental aspects governing the mechanisms responsible for multicomponent photodegradation, while constituting already a promising candidate for practical environmental applications.