S-scheme In2S3/Zn3In2S6 microsphere for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution with simultaneous photodegradation of bisphenol A.

A reduction-type S-scheme photocatalyst with bifunctional ability shows efficient and stable activity for simultaneous water purification and H 2 production. [Display omitted] • The stepwise fabrication well preserves the microsphere morphology of Zn 3 In 2 S 6. • The in situ growth of In 2 S 3 on Zn 3 In 2 S 6 shows an efficient construction of S-scheme heterojunction. • The photogenerated holes and electrons are simultaneously utilized for pollutant degradation and H 2 production. • The engineered In 2 S 3 /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 photocatalyst displays an enhanced photocatalytic performance. S-scheme In 2 S 3 /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 microspheres were successfully prepared through hydrothermal means for enhanced photocatalytic H 2 evolution with simultaneous photodegradation of bisphenol A. The microspheres were assembled by embedding 2D In 2 S 3 nanosheets into 2D-3D Zn 3 In 2 S 6 hierarchical microspheres to enhance visible light absorption and separation/migration of photo-excited charge carriers. In bisphenol A aqueous solution, the photocatalytic H 2 evolution rate on In 2 S 3 /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 shows 15.7 and 7.9-folds improvements against that of the individual In 2 S 3 and Zn 3 In 2 S 6. Meanwhile, the degradation efficiency of bisphenol A is up to 95.8 %. The S-scheme charge transfer mechanism in In 2 S 3 /Zn 3 In 2 S 6 microspheres maximizes exerting the redox capability of Zn 3 In 2 S 6 for H 2 evolution and In 2 S 3 for bisphenol A degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]