In₂S₃ Growth Templated by Aluminogermanate Double‐Walled Imogolite Nanotubes Toward Efficient Visible Light Photocatalysts

Abstract

Different strategies combining semiconductors and nanomaterials have been explored to enhance the performance of visible light photocatalysts. This work reports the hydrothermal growth of In2S3 on the aluminogermanate double‐walled imogolite nanotubes and the photocatalytic properties of the resulting composites. The reaction conditions are optimized to ensure the linear growth of In2S3, while preserving the tubular structure of imogolite nanotubes. The imogolite–In2S3 composites show enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange compared to the control In2S3, exhibiting a fourfold increase in the photocatalytic dye degradation rate constant. Interestingly, these composites present a negative photocurrent response, indicating the generation of mobile holes, whereas both In2S3 and imogolite by themselves exhibit typical positive photocurrent behavior. The improvement in the photocatalytic dye degradation and the negative photocurrent response is attributed to the interface formation between In2S3 and imogolite in these composites and the p‐type character of the latter. Templating the colloidal synthesis of semiconducting nanoparticles in confined spaces could bring a step change in the design of catalytic and photocatalytic materials.

Templated Growth of In2S3 in Ti3C2TX MXene with Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties

“…[24] Also compared to imogolite-In 2 S 3 composites, where imogolite nanotubes were used as a template, Ti 3 C 2 T X -In 2 S 3 heterostructures showing even 350 times higher photocurrent. [69] While the control over oxidation of Ti 3 C 2 T X MXene to TiO 2 under hydrothermal conditions should be better understood in order to lead to a predictable outcome, the formation of such hybrids show great potential for future synthetic efforts in semiconductor-MXene hybrids. Furthermore, templated growth strategies for facet engineering [70,71] and defect engineering [25] have been achieved with layered silicate-based templates, which suggests that using MXenes in these approaches may yield interesting and promising layered nanohybrids.…”

Layered 2D material heterostructures – a colloidal perspective

“…Furthermore, the approach also works for directing growth within 1D templates, as the growth of In 2 S 3 has been carried out inside surfactant-modified Ge-imogolite nanotubes. 306 (ref erwan) The second main drawback is the lack of understanding about the fate of the surfactant used for pillaring. The presence of organic matter in between semiconductor layers cannot be easily controlled as in the case of c-ALD, and this may lead to altered properties and reduced coupling between layers, which could negatively impact charge transfer processes at the interface.…”