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[Display omitted] Converting CO 2 into chemicals and fuels by solar energy can alleviate global warming and solve the energy crisis. In this work, CoAl-LDO/MoO 3−x (LDO/MO) composites were successfully prepared and achieved efficient CO 2 reduction under visible light. The CoAl-layered double oxides (CoAl-LDO) evolved from CoAl-layered double hydroxide (CoAl-LDH) exhibited a more robust structure, broader light absorption, and improved CO 2 adsorption ability. The local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect excited by nonstoichiometric MoO 3−x broadened the photo-response range of CoAl-LDO/MoO 3−x. In addition, constructing step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunctions could simultaneously optimize the migration mechanism of photogenerated electrons and holes, and retain carriers with strong redox ability. Therefore, the production rates of CO and CH 4 on the optimal LDO/MO composite were 7 and 9 times higher than the pristine CoAl-LDH, respectively. This work hybridizes oxidation photocatalysts and LDO-based materials to optimize the charge separation and migration mechanisms, which guides the modification of LDO-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a ternary Cu-CuTCPP/Cu2O/CoAl-LDH composite with a dual Z-scheme heterostructure was fabricated based on a Cu2O photocatalyst and applied in photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The physicochemical properties of the prepared catalysts and the possible reaction mechanism in CO2 reduction were analyzed and studied by various characterization methods. The activity of CO2 reduction significantly increased, especially forming C2 products. The optimal yield of C2H4 and C2H6 reached 1.56 and 1.92 μmol g−1 h−1 respectively, which was 14.45 and 17.45 times that from using the Cu2O monomer. In addition, the selectivity of C2 products reached 37.4%. The satisfactory C2 yield was mainly due to the fact that Cu1+δ2(COO)3 nodes in Cu-CuTCPP contained adjacent Cu sites, which effectively promoted the C–C coupling reaction. Moreover, the dual Z-scheme heterojunction stimulated the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and diminished the recombination rate. This work contributes to the development of novel photocatalysts with a dual Z-scheme heterojunction and facilitates the generation of valuable C2 products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbons is expected to simultaneously alleviate the energy crisis and greenhouse effect. Herein, the ternary BiOCl/C/Cu2O catalysts with different mass ratios were compounded using a simple hydrothermal method, revealing better photocatalytic activity than the monomer. In the absence of sacrificial agents and photosensitizers, 25% BiOCl/C/Cu2O showed optimal photocatalytic performance. The CO and CH4 yields over 25% BiOCl/C/Cu2O reached 26.77 and 9.86 μmol g−1 h−1, which is 2.9 and 8.7 times higher than that of the pristine Cu2O, respectively. The ameliorative activity can be attributed to the construction of the Z-scheme heterostructure and carbon layer, which are conducive to the transfer and separation of photogenerated carriers. This study offers valuable references for the design and investigation of a Z-scheme heterojunction using a carbon layer as an electron transfer medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 to high-energy products is an effective way to utilize solar energy and mitigate the greenhouse effect. In this paper, a series of CQDs/Bi 12 O 17 Cl 2 /NiAl-LDH (C/BOC/LDH) photocatalysts were prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal method, demonstrated excellent photocatalytic CO 2 reduction performance. In the case of only water without any photosensitizer and sacrificial agent, the CO production rate on C/0.3BOC/LDH reached 16.4 μmol·g-1h−1, which is 6.7 times higher than that of the original LDH. The construction of Z-scheme heterojunctions inhibited the recombination of electrons with holes. The unique up-conversion PL behavior of CQDs benefitted the absorption of energy in the NIR by the photocatalyst. This study provides meaningful assistance for the design and construction of a ternary photocatalytic system with Z-scheme heterojunction and carbon-based co-catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facilitating the separation of photoexcited electron-hole pairs and enhancing the migration of photogenerated carriers are essential in photocatalytic reaction. CoS/g-C 3 N 4 /NiS ternary photocatalyst was prepared by hydrothermal and physical stirring methods. The optimized ternary composite achieved a hydrogen yield of 1.93 mmol g−1 h−1, 12.8 times that of bare g-C 3 N 4 , with an AQE of 16.4% at 420 nm. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of CoS/g-C 3 N 4 /NiS was mainly ascribed to the synergistic interaction between the Z-scheme heterojunction constructed by CoS and g-C 3 N 4 and the NiS co-catalyst featuring a large amount of hydrogen precipitation sites, which realized the efficient separation and migration of photogenerated carriers. In addition, the CoS/g-C 3 N 4 /NiS heterojunction-co-catalyst system exhibited excellent photocatalytic stability and recyclability. • CoS/g-C 3 N 4 /NiS ternary photocatalyst was prepared by hydrothermal and physical stirring methods. • A large amount of hydrogen precipitation sites are available on CoS/g-C 3 N 4 /NiS ternary photocatalyst. • The Z-scheme heterojunction combined with the co-catalyst promoted the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and enhancing the charge carrier transfer are critical in photocatalysis. In our work, a ball-flower-like NiS/Zn3In2S6/g-C3N4 photocatalyst fabricated by a hydrothermal method exhibited superior performance for photocatalytic water splitting. The optimized 2.0% NiS/Zn3In2S6/g-C3N4 rivaled noble metal based Pt/g-C3N4 and showed an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 24.3% at 420 nm, with a H2 yield of 4.135 mmol g−1 h−1, which was 30.4 and 9.51 times that of pure g-C3N4 and binary Zn3In2S6/g-C3N4 composites, respectively. The experimental and characterization results suggested that the heterojunction formed between Zn3In2S6/g-C3N4 and the decorating NiS co-catalyst cooperatively suppressed the electron–hole recombination and facilitated the charge carrier transfer, thus resulting in significant improvement of the H2 evolution performance. Moreover, the increased specific surface area and the enhanced visible-light absorption also contributed to superior water splitting performance. The prepared ternary catalytic system with the heterojunction and non-noble metal co-catalyst has great potential as an alternative to noble metals for achieving cost-efficient water splitting systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The B-TiO 2 /CuInS 2 Z-scheme heterojunction with visible light response was prepared. • B-TiO 2 /CuInS 2 could convert CO 2 into CO and CH 4 with the yields 21.39 and 4.83 µmol g−1 h−1. • Both boron doping and CuInS 2 sensitization can effectively improve the utilization of visible light. • The synergistic effect of B doping Z-scheme heterojunction optimized the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers. Photocatalytic reduction CO 2 into valuable solar fuels is a promising strategy to alleviate the greenhouse effect and the energy crisis on Earth. In this work, a B-TiO 2 /CuInS 2 photocatalyst has been synthesized through a simple hydrothermal-calcination method for efficient reducing CO 2 into CO and CH 4. Boron doping and sensitization of CuInS 2 ensure the excellent visible light response capacity of the composite catalyst. The synergistic effect between oxygen vacancies and Z-scheme heterojunction also endow the photocatalyst with strong carrier separation capability. Consequently, the optimized B-TO/CIS-2.5 sample exhibited the best CO (21.39 μmol g−1 h−1) and CH 4 (4.83 μmol g−1 h−1) production, approximately 9 and 14 times higher than that of TO and B-TO, respectively. This study provides a reliable approach for developing photocatalysts with boosted CO 2 reduction activity and high stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The CoAl-LDH/CGCNN-Metal NPs ternary photocatalysts with visible light response were prepared. • CoAl-LDH/CGCNN-Au NPs could convert CO 2 into CO, CH 4 , C 2 H 4 , and C 2 H 6 with the yields of 5.93, 17.68, 1.25 and 2.15 µmol g−1h−1. • The synergistic effect between S-scheme heterojunction and metal NPs could improve the light absorption capacity and the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Converting CO 2 into high-value products by photocatalysis can alleviate the global greenhouse effect and energy crisis. In this work, CoAl-LDH/CGCNN-Metal NPs (AC-M) ternary photocatalysts were synthesized by calcination, hydrothermal, and ultrasonic self-assembly methods. In pure water, the best sample AC-Au could convert CO 2 into CO, CH 4 , C 2 H 4 , and C 2 H 6 with the yields of 5.93, 17.68, 1.25 and 2.15 µmol g−1h−1, respectively, and exhibited good stability within 5 cycles (30 h). The synergistic effect between S-scheme heterojunction and metal NPs could broaden the composite's photo-response range and promote the separation of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, the metal NPs could also serve as the electron-rich centers to improve the chemisorption of CO 2 and convert it into C 1 and C 2 products under visible light. This work can provide meaningful guidance for studying the efficient reduction of CO 2 to C 1 and C 2 products by S-scheme heterojunction/metal NPs ternary photocatalytic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MoS 2 /TiO 2 heterojunction composites photocatalysts exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance, and they were resoundingly synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal experimental method combined with mild calcination (300 °C) under an argon atmosphere. Under the visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of MoS 2 /TiO 2 heterojunction composites were tested for photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 and it exhibited superior performance and stability. The consequences show that the pure MoS 2 demonstrates a poor photocatalytic activity because of its high electron-hole recombination, and the maximum yields of CO and CH 4 on 10% MoS 2 /TiO 2 heterojunction composite are 268.97 μmol/g.cat and 49.93μmol/g.cat, respectively, which are about 5.33 times and 16.26 times of pure TiO 2 (P25). The improved photocatalytic activity of 10% MoS 2 /TiO 2 heterojunction composite could be put down to the high-efficiency separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, strong response to visible light and the narrowed band gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ball-flower like NiO/g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction composite was synthesized via a hydrothermal deposition method combined with subsequent calcination route. The NiO/g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction exhibited a superior performance in CO 2 photoreduction. A maximum CO yields of 4.17 μmol/(h g-cat) had been obtained on 40% NiO/g-C 3 N 4 composite, which was 2.5 and 7.6 times as high as the pure g-C 3 N 4 and NiO respectively. The promotion mechanism could be ascribed to the perfect band matching and efficient internal charge transfer within the p-n junction, which results in high-efficiency separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, strong visible-light response and high specific surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Z-Scheme MoS2/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts were fabricated using a hydrothermal deposition procedure together with a calcination route, and then applied for CO2 photoreduction. Experimental results indicated that the 10% MoS2/g-C3N4 heterojunction displayed the best photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, the maximum CO yields of 58.59 μmol (g-cat)−1 under 7 h-visible light irradiation was up to 2.94 times that of the unadulterated g-C3N4. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of 10% MoS2/g-C3N4 catalyst was due to the favored visible light response, the efficient separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs as well as its larger specific surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S QDs/WO 3−x ternary heterojunction with full spectrum response was prepared and applied in the photodegradation of phenol. The results of photocatalytic experiments showed that the prepared Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S QDs/WO 3−x heterojunction had the highest performance under full spectrum, visible and near-infrared light irradiation, and the reaction rates were 4.02, 3.75 and 5.71 times that of pure Bi 7 O 9 I 3 , respectively. This performance improvement results from the construction of double S-scheme heterojunction and the full-spectrum response, which had effective charge distribution and migration as well as an excellent response to sunlight. In addition,·OH and·O 2 - took the lead role in the process of photodegradation. Combined with the free radical-trapping experiment, ESR experiment and DFT theoretical calculation, the photocatalytic mechanism of double S-scheme system was proposed. This work is contributory to designing novel photocatalytic materials with dual S-scheme heterojunction and the efficient purification of wastewater in environmental remediation. [Display omitted] • Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S QDs/WO 3−x ternary heterojunction with full spectrum response was prepared. • The degradation efficiency of BCW-2 heterojunction to phenol reached 100% under full-spectrum irradiation within 90 min. • ·OH and·O 2 - took the lead role in the process of photodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of photocatalytic technology can not only reduce CO 2 emissions, but also realize the effective utilization of solar energy, thus alleviating the global energy crisis. In this work, BiOIO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 Z-scheme heterojunction modified by Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets was designed and fabricated through hydrothermal method and electrostatic self-assembly strategy. The g-C 3 N 4 /BiOIO 3 /Ti 3 C 2 (4 wt%) photocatalytic system exhibited the optimal photocatalytic efficiency, reaching 5.88 and 1.55 μ mol/g/h for CO and CH 4 , respectively, and the CO production rate was 6.6 folds as high as that of bare g-C 3 N 4. Various characterization techniques were utilized to research the physicochemical properties of as-prepared photocatalysts. Z-scheme heterojunction formed between g-C 3 N 4 and BiOIO 3 and the decorating of 2D Ti 3 C 2 co-catalyst were responsible for the boosted photocatalytic behavior. Z-scheme heterojunction could prevent the recombination of charge carriers, the co-catalyst Ti 3 C 2 acted as electron sink could achieve quick shift of photo-induced electrons and supply numerous active sites for photocatalytic reaction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S-scheme heterostructure can facilitate the separation of carriers while maintain outstanding redox capacity. A series of ternary Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /g-C 3 N 4 /Bi 3 O 4 Cl photocatalytic system was triumphantly synthesized via oil bath method in this work and used in photocatalytic degradation of phenol. The optimal TOC removal rate reached up to 93.57% under illumination for 160 min, which was slightly lower than phenol photodegradation (about 100%, 100 min). Correspondingly, the apparent rate constants for the decay of phenol are determined to be 0.0211 min−1. The experiment of free radical capture indicated that ·OH and ·O 2 − were the major oxidizing substances to degrade phenol. The products of phenol photodegradation were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a possible degradation pathway was proposed. The characterization analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that dual S-scheme charge migration was generated at the interface of Bi 7 O 9 I 3 , g-C 3 N 4 and Bi 3 O 4 Cl, contributing to an efficient separation of light-excited carriers. In the field of environmental remediation, the discovery of this work could open up promising vistas for designing bismuth-based ternary heterostructures with application potentiality. [Display omitted] • Flower spherical-like Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /g-C 3 N 4 /Bi 3 O 4 Cl was synthesized by oil bath method. • Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /g-C 3 N 4 /Bi 3 O 4 Cl heterojunction with enhanced phenol degradation activity. • ·OH and ·O 2 − were the major oxidizing substances to degrade phenol. • Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /g-C 3 N 4 /Bi 3 O 4 Cl composite followed dual S-scheme heterojunction photocatalytic mechanism. • Dual S-scheme Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /g-C 3 N 4 /Bi 3 O 4 Cl heterojunction contribute to an efficient separation of light-excited carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • NH 2 -UiO-66/CdIn 2 S 4 composite exhibited superior CO 2 photoreduction activity. • NH 2 -UiO-66/CdIn 2 S 4 could achieve the rapid separation of photoexcited e−/h+ pairs. • High CO 2 molecules adsorption activity of NH 2 -UiO-66/CdIn 2 S 4 composite. Solar-driven carbon dioxide (CO 2) photoreduction has been considered as an environmentally friendly and promising strategy to utilize solar energy and mitigate the impact of greenhouse effect. Designing novel cost-effective photocatalytic system with high CO 2 molecules adsorption activity is an efficient avenue to enhance CO 2 photoreduction performance. Herein, a series of NH 2 -UiO-66/CdIn 2 S 4 (NU66/CIS) photocatalysts with different NU66 contents were constructed via facile in-situ hydrothermal route and displayed graceful morphology. According to a series of characterization results, porous octahedron NU66 were deeply anchored on flowerlike 3D-microspheres CIS, and a part of the small-sized CIS were evenly dispersed on the surface of NU66. Without any sacrificial agent, the optimized 8% NU66/CIS heterojunctions still exhibited the satisfactory photocatalytic efficiency for CO 2 conversion, whose CO and CH 4 yields reached up to 11.24 μ mol g−1 h−1 and 2.92 μ mol g−1 h−1, respectively, which were 2.87 and 3.31 folds higher than that of pristine CIS. The remarkably boosted activity of NU66/CIS was originated from the high specific surface area and the formation of heterostructure between the well-dispersed NU66 and CIS, which could promote the electron transfer during CO 2 photocatalytic reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Urea groups acted as the docking sites of MnS and hydrogen evolving centers. • The formation of ligating linkage provided a charge transfer pathway. • The photocatalytic H 2 evolution over MnS/D-Melon followed the Z-scheme mechanism. Given that low hydrogen active sites and serious photoexcited electron-hole recombination greatly limits the solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency, a synergistically integrated strategy of the defect engineering and the construction of Z-scheme heterojunction is introduced to the design of PCN photocatalyst, a strand-like polymer carbon nitride, in this work to resolve these problems and enhance the photocatalytic activity. The PHE activity was intimately related to MnS compositions. A maximum hydrogen evolution rate of 670.5 μmol/g/h could be achieved over 5% MnS/D-PCN composite, almost 5 times the rate of D-PCN and 18.4 times higher than that pristine PCN. This high PHE activity of MnS/D-PCN was attributed to the following factors: defects effects and Z-scheme heterojunction. We found that defects sites, on one hand, were the docking sites of MnS through a linkage to bridging the MnS and defected PCN, which offered an efficient spatial transfer path for electron-hole pairs at the interface, on the other hand, acted as the hydrogen evolving centers gathering the excited photoelectrons from D-PCN and MnS. Furthermore, Z-scheme pathway greatly enhanced the photoexcited charge separation due to their enormous driving force in internal electric field of p-n heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• S-scheme Bi-BiOCl/MgIn 2 S 4 marigold microflower heterostructure. • 6 % Bi-BiOCl/MgIn 2 S 4 sample behaved the optimal photocatalytic performance for CO 2 photoreduction into CH 4. • Metal Bi acted as the bridge connecting the BiOCl and MgIn 2 S 4 to facilitate the charge transfer. Step-scheme (S-scheme) Bi-BiOCl/MgIn 2 S 4 heterostructure (BBOC/MIS) was successfully fabricated via NaBH 4 reduction and facile in-situ hydrothermal process and applied in photocatalytic CO 2 reduction. A part of BBOC ultrathin nanosheets processed by ultrasonication exfoliation was grown on the surfaces of MIS marigold microflower. Another part of BBOC and MIS exhibited as the core and shell of BBOC/MIS, respectively. The morphology, band alignment, optical and electronic characteristics of photocatalysts were comprehensively studied via diverse characterization methods. The S-scheme BBOC/MIS heterojunction possessed superior photocatalytic performance and well reusability to primarily convert CO 2 into CH 4 with high efficiency under the simulated solar light irradiation without using any sacrificial agent in water. Experimental results displayed that the 6% BBOC/MIS sample behaved the optimal photocatalytic performance in photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 , and its maximum CH 4 production rate could reach up to 4.29 μmol g−1 h−1, which was about 7.56 times as high as that of unadulterated MIS. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of BBOC/MIS could be attributed to the improved visible light response and highly-efficient separation of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs between BBOC and MIS through the S-scheme heterojunction interface. In addition, the metal Bi acted as the bridge connecting the BOC and MIS to facilitate the charge transfer, which greatly promoted the CO 2 photocatalytic reduction to CH 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cs x WO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 catalyst shows full spectrum CO 2 photoreduction activity. • Improved charge separation efficiency is realized on Cs x WO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 catalyst. • LSPR effect is responsible for the NIR photocatalytic activity. Full spectrum-driven Cs x WO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 catalyst was successfully synthesized by the combination of solvothermal and ultrasonication methods and used in CO 2 photocatalytic reduction. The experimental results suggested that 20 wt% Cs x WO 3 /g-C 3 N 4 catalyst possessed the best yield of CH 4 under NIR and full spectrum light irradiation, which were 1.72 and 6.79 μmol·g−1·h−1, respectively. This outstanding photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the localized surface plasmonic resonance effect and the formation of heterojunction structure, which led to the improved charge separation efficiency, good light-harvesting ability and broadened light response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 20 % BiO 2- x/g-C 3 N 4 composites exhibited the best photocatalytic activity. • BiO 2-x narrowed the band gap and expanded the visible light range. • The separation and migration of photogenerated carriers are promoted. Photoreduction CO 2 to hydrocarbons are the sustainable and green methods to solve energy shortages and environmental pollution problems. Therefore, the development of efficient and environment-friendly photocatalysts remains a huge challenge, while coupling co-catalyst on traditional photocatalysts is a potential approach for improving photocatalytic activity. Here, a novel BiO 2-x co-catalyst coupled g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst was prepared by a simple hydrothermal approach for the photocatalytic reduction of CO 2. The experimental results proved that BiO 2-x /g-C 3 N 4 composites played a vital part for promoting the photocatalytic capability. The 20 % BiO 2-x /g-C 3 N 4 composites exhibited the best photocatalytic capability under the simulated visible-light. A maximum yield of CO (42.29 μmol/gcat) and CH 4 (7.2 μmol/gcat) were obtained, which were 3.8 and 2.5 times that over pure g-C 3 N 4 , and its apparent quantum yield (AQY) was 1.5 % at 420 nm. According to the characterization results, the significantly increased photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to larger specific surface area, stronger visible-light absorption properties and more effective separation and transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Our finding provides a certain reference for the development and application of novel co-catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 30% In 2 S 3 /NiAl-LDH exhibited the best photocatalytic performance. • Efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. • A perfect band matching and efficient internal charge transfer within the n-n junction. A novel ball-flower In 2 S 3 /NiAl-LDH heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized via a simple one-step hydrothermal approach for the first time and applied for CO 2 photocatalytic reduction. The In 2 S 3 /LDH composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance and stability in CO 2 photoreduction in water under the irradiation of simulated solar light. Experimental results indicated that the 30% In 2 S 3 /NiAl-LDH heterojunction photocatalyst exhibited the best photocatalytic performance. And the maximum CH 4 yields of 36.1 μmol/(h·g-cat) under 7 h visible light irradiation was about 2.5 and 3.5 times of unadulterated LDH and In 2 S 3. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of 30% In 2 S 3 /NiAl-LDH catalyst was due to the highly-efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, its larger specific surface area and stronger visible-light absorption capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel flower spherical-like Bi-Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /Ag-AgI S-scheme heterojunction was synthesized. • Dual plasmons (Bi, Ag) enhance the visible light absorption and photothermal effect. • The synergistic role of S-scheme heterojunction, SPR effect and photothermal effect contributed to the excellent phenol photodegradation and removal activity. • Theoretical calculation expressed Fermi energy levels and work function. The flower spherical-like S-scheme Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /AgI heterostructure was successfully fabricated through hydrothermal as well as calcination reduction method. The Ag and Bi nanoparticles generated during calcination reduction process are tightly fixed on surface of Bi 7 O 9 I 3 and AgI, severally, which was distinctly beneficial to the charge transfer. On account of the enhanced light absorption and surface plasma resonance of Ag and Bi, Bi-Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /Ag-AgI possessed conspicuous photothermal effect. The results show that Bi-Bi 7 O 9 I 3 /Ag-AgI possessesed the optimal photodegradation efficiency and TOC removal rate of phenol, which are 100% and 95.38% within 80 min and 120 min. The light-induced carriers could be efficaciously separated by establishing an S-scheme photocatalytic system. A possible photocatalytic degradation mechanism of the as-constructed samples was investigated by free radical capture experiment as well as EPR technique. In addition, the photocatalyst exhibited the high stability. This work will supply a new perspective with the synthesis of novel S-scheme heterostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]