Multicomponent interfaced Ag2S@In2S3/Bi2O3 dual Z-scheme with visible light activity for enhanced photocatalytic decontamination of organic pollutants

Abstract

Ternary Ag₂S@In₂S₃/Bi₂O₃ nanocomposite materials were synthesized hydrothermally with varied compositions of Bi₂O₃ (10, 20, 30 wt%) and Ag₂S (1, 3, 5 wt%). The fabricated materials were characterized for structural, morphological, and optical characteristics and utilized for decontaminating a cationic dye, Rhodamine B (RhB) and Ciprofloxacin (CP), under visible light radiance. Ag₂S (3 wt%)@In₂S₃/Bi₂O₃(20 wt%) exhibited the maximum photocatalytic removal efficacy, i.e., 99.95 % in 40 min for RhB and 99.04 % in 140 min for CP, at a higher rate constant of 0.1656 min⁻¹ for RhB and 0.0238 min⁻¹ for CP. The best removal efficiency and rate constant in Ag₂S(3 wt%)@In₂S₃/Bi₂O₃(20 wt%) are mainly ascribed to the highest visible light absorption and formation of double Z-type heterojunctions, which is more effective for light-generated charge separation. Ag₂S (3 wt%) @ In₂S₃/Bi₂O₃(20 wt%) nanocomposite exhibited outstanding stability after five runs with a decrease of 7.88 % and 7.40 % in removal efficacy of RhB and CP respectively. ∙OH and O₂^∙- were major species in photocatalytic degradation, as determined by the study of trapping agents. The photocatalyst follows a dual Z-scheme scheme for charge transfer and RhB and CP degradation. The electrochemical analysis was carried out by Cyclic Voltammetry and EIS, which supported a smaller charge resistance after the nanocomposite’s formation. Ag₂S@In₂S₃/Bi₂O₃ heterostructures nanocomposites can be used as an effective photocatalyst for decontaminating organic pollutants from wastewater water.