Fabrication of Z-scheme ZnIn2S4/ZnSe heterostructed microspheres toward antibiotic degradation from real pharmaceutical wastewater

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough Z-type heterojunction can significantly improve the catalytic performance of photocatalyst, there have been few reports on Z-type heterojunction about ZnSe. Therefore, it is meaningful to search for the Z-type photocatalyst in ZnSe to enhance its photocatalytic efficiency. MotivationZnIn2S4, as a novel photocatalyst, its VB (1.72V) and CB (−0.71V) can match with ZnSe, indicating the potential formation of a Z-type heterojunction. Therefore, we hope to construct the ZnIn2S4/ZnSe photocatalyst by forming Z-type heterojunction to boost the photocatalytic activity of ZnSe. MethodsIn this paper, ZnIn2S4/ZnSe heterojunction was prepared through hydrothermal method using ZnIn2S4, Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O and Na2SeO3 as raw materials, and heated at 180 °C for 24 h. Results and conclusionsThe optimum 30 % ZnIn2S4/ZnSe nanocomposites exhibit superior photocatalytic degradation towards Tc and OTC, with removal rates reaching 80 % and 74 % within 60 min, respectively, significantly higher than the degradation efficiency of pure ZnSe. And in the process of photodegradation for antibiotics, the most significant contribution rate are ∙O2− and h+, while ·OH plays a minor role. Herein, we have provided a good example for removing antibiotic residues by using ZnSe based Z-type heterojunction towards environmental remediation.