Heterojunction-Forming In–NiS/In₂O₃ Nanoparticles for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline under Full Solar Spectrum Response

Abstract

Exploring full solar spectrum-responsive heterojunction photocatalysts continues to pose significant challenges. In this study, In− NiS/In 2 O 3 heterojunctions are constructed by introducing a high concentration of low-coordination-vacancy atoms for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC). In−NiS/In 2 O 3 heterojunctions show a nanoparticle structure and good light absorption in the full solar spectrum with 200−2400 nm and achieve the highest degradation rate of 99.3% under infrared light irradiation, as well as favorable photostability. The improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to the enhanced light absorption range and charge separation efficiency owing to the introduction of low-coordination-vacancy atoms. Moreover, the main active species are h + and•O 2 − in the TC degradation process.