In2S3 nanoflakes grounded in Bi2WO6 nanoplates: A novel hierarchical heterojunction catalyst anchored on W mesh for efficient elimination of toluene.

Toxic toluene can be completely oxidized in CO 2 and H 2 O with novel three-dimensional (3D) In 2 S 3 @Bi 2 WO 6 hierarchical crystals under visible light. Dense and uniform In 2 S 3 nanoflakes are rooted in Bi 2 WO 6 nanoplates which intercross with each other and are anchored on a pliable tungsten mesh. This leads to the construction of a stable and porous interface for adsorbing and decomposing target gaseous toluene. The firm contact between In 2 S 3 and Bi 2 WO 6 initiates the formation of a built-in electric field that helps in channeling the photogenerated electrons in Bi 2 WO 6 CB to quench the holes in 2 S 3 VB. This results in highly capable electrons and holes, as well as notable increase in the yields of •O 2 − and •OH. 99.7% of toluene is removed and 93.4% is converted to CO 2 when it is degraded in simulated air. This validates its remarkable efficacy in detoxifying toluene. • Novel three-dimensional (3D) In2S3@Bi2WO6 hierarchical crystals were prepared. •In2S3 and Bi2WO6 nanosheets are united and anchored on W mesh. •Firm contact between In2S3 and Bi2WO6 renders a direct Z-type heterojunction. •In2S3@Bi2WO6 can efficiently and completely degrade toluene under visible light. •Self-supporting trait will streamline the design and application of In2S3@Bi2WO6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]