CdIn2S4/In(OH)3/NiCr-LDH Multi-Interface Heterostructure Photocatalyst for Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Evolution and Cr(VI) Reduction

Abstract

The development of highly active and stable photocatalysts, an effective way to remediate environment pollution and alleviate energy shortages, remains a challenging issue. In this work, a CdIn2S4/In(OH)3 nanocomposite was deposited in-situ on NiCr-LDH nanosheets by a simple hydrothermal method, and the obtained CdIn2S4/In(OH)3/NiCr-LDH heterostructure photocatalysts with multiple intimate-contact interfaces exhibited better photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of CdIn2S4/In(OH)3/NiCr-LDH increased to 10.9 and 58.7 times that of the counterparts CdIn2S4 and NiCr-LDH, respectively. Moreover, the photocatalytic removal efficiency of Cr(VI) increased from 6% for NiCr-LDH and 75% for CdIn2S4 to 97% for CdIn2S4/In(OH)3/NiCr-LDH. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was attributed to the formation of multi-interfaces with strong interfacial interactions and staggered band alignments, which offered multiple pathways for carrier migration, thus promoting the separation efficiency of photo-excited electrons and holes. This study demonstrates a facile method to fabricate inexpensive and efficient heterostructure photocatalysts for solving environmental problems.

NiFe Layered Double Hydroxides with Controlled Composition and Morphology for the Efficient Removal of Cr(VI) from Water

“…ZnTi-, CoAl-, and NiFe-LDHs have been utilized for the photocatalytic reduction of Cr­(VI). LDHs have been combined with other photocatalysts to give hybrids such as ZnAl-LDH/TiO 2 , NiCr-LDH/In­(OH) 3 /CdIn 2 S 4 , and NiFe-LDH/graphitic carbon nitride to promote the photocatalytic reduction of Cr­(VI). However, the use of a LDH for the removal of Cr­(VI) through dual functions (adsorption and photocatalytic reduction) has not been reported.…”