Multifunctional 3D MoSx/Zn3In2S6 nanoflower for selective photothermal-catalytic biomass oxidative and non-selective organic pollutants degradation.

Herein, we report on a 3D MoS x /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 nanoflower for efficient photocatalytic selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BA) to benzaldehyde (BAD) (100 % conversion and 96.18 % selectivity in 1 h) with simultaneous H 2 coproduction. The experimental results, in combination with DFT calculations, reveal that MoS x not only endows photothermal properties of the composite but also acts as an electron transport bridge promoting photogenerated charge transfer, which in turn promotes the extraction of C α -H to produce H 2. MoS x /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 also demonstrated strong ability to selectively oxidize a lignin model compound, 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol (PP-ol), to 2-phenoxyacetophenone (PP-one) with H 2 coproduction. When incorporated with peroxydisulfate (PDS) for organic pollutant degradation, the MoS x /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 showed exceptional efficiency with 99.51 % removal of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) in 20 min. This is attributed to Mo4+/Mo5+/Mo6+ redox interactions that activate PDS and promote generation of reactive oxygen radicals. This work provides a feasible strategy to design photocatalyst for biomass valorization and organic pollutants degradation. [Display omitted] • MoS x endows the photothermal properties of 3D MoS x /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 nanoflower. • DFT provides evidence and guidance for the electrons transfer pathway of MoS x. • MoS x promotes the extraction of C α -H to produce H 2. • 3D MoS x /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 nanoflower acts efficiently for real biomass photoreforming. • The Mo4+/Mo5+/Mo6+ redox interactions enhance the degradation of MBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]