Enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance of a novel FeInS microsphere/BiOBr nanoplate heterojunction with a Z-scheme configuration.

The rational design of heterojunction photocatalysts is an effective way to improve semiconductor photocatalytic activity. The simple solvothermal method was used to successfully prepare visible light-driven FeInS microsphere/BiOBr nanoplate binary heterojunction photocatalysts with varying FeInS contents. The crystal structure, morphology, surface composition, specific surface area, charge separation, and optical properties of the as-prepared photocatalysts were investigated using a variety of analytical methods. In the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B, the FeInS/BiOBr photocatalysts obtained a degradation efficiency of 96% within 60 min, which was approximately 5.33 and 2.59 times higher than pure FeInS and BiOBr, respectively. Radical trapping experiments and ESR measurements revealed the main active species (·OH, ·O, and h) produced during photocatalytic degradation. The increased photocatalytic activity was due to the formation of Z-scheme heterojunctions between FeInS and BiOBr, which contributed to the improved effective charge separation of photogenerated charge carriers, augmented specific surface area, and enhanced redox capacity. It is expected that our current study will provide a hopeful way for future environmental remediation research.