Self-assembly of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on g-C3N4 nanotubes for efficient photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI).

Ultrathin ZnIn 2 S 4 (ZIS) nanosheets were coated on g-C 3 N 4 (CN) nanotubes to form CN@ZIS heterojunction as a high-performance photocatalyst for Cr(VI) reduction. Well-dispersed ZIS nanosheets on CN nanotubes favor the better utilization of light and the hierarchical pores promote the mass diffusion. Additionally, such in-situ growth of ZIS on CN nanotubes enables the formation of intimate interfacial contact between them and the obtained CN@ZIS displays a low recombination rate of photo-generated electron-hole pairs compared to the pristine CN and ZIS. Benefiting from these structural and compositional advantages, CN@ZIS exhibits a satisfactory photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction efficiency and can reduce 30 mg/L Cr(VI) within 10 min (catalyst loading: 1 mg/mL) under visible-light irradiation. Such excellent performance makes CN@ZIS great potential in photocatalysis. [Display omitted] • ZnIn 2 S 4 nanosheets are grown on g-C 3 N 4 nanotube to form CN@ZIS heterojunction. • CN@ZIS exhibits structural and compositional advantages. • CN@ZIS exhibits excellent photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]