Fabrication of InVO/SnWO heterostructured photocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under visible light.

In the present study, novel InVO/SnWO nanocomposites with different concentrations of SnWO were successfully prepared using a facile hydrothermal technique and investigated employing a wide range of analytical methods for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC). X-ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of the orthorhombic phases of both InVO and SnWO in the composite catalyst. Dispersion of SnWO nanoplates over the InVO nanosheets enhanced the synergistic interactions, improving the separation of charge carriers and their transfer. Furthermore, the formation of heterostructure expanded the absorption range and promoted visible light harvesting. The TC degradation efficiency of InVO/SnWO nanocomposite (5 mg loading of SnWO) reached 97.13% in 80 min under visible light, with the kinetic rate constants 5.51 and 7.63 times greater than those of pure InVO and SnWO, respectively. Additionally, the scavenger results proved that hydroxyl radicals and holes played a significant role in the photodegradation of TC. Furthermore, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and transient photocurrent response analysis showed enhanced e/h partition efficiency. Thus, the formation of heterostructure with strong synergistic interactions can effectively transfer the excited charge carriers and shorten the reunion rate. Accordingly, the InVO/SnWO nanocomposites exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance due to the increased number of charge carriers on the surface.