Controlled synthesis of 3D marigold-like ZnIn2S4/Ti3C2 for rapid and efficient removal of antibiotics
Ping Mao, Kun Liu, Aiwu Sun, Xin Yang, Xiaowu Ping, Jing Zhang, Jinyou Shen, Yuting Li, Jianfeng Teng, Yong Yang
Abstract
Developing of a rapid and efficient photocatalyst for the removal of antibiotics with high concentration in wastewater remediation is of great importance. 3D marigold-like ZnIn2S4/Ti3C2 was successfully fabricated by coupling 2D Ti3C2 nanosheets with hierarchical 3D ZnIn2S4 using a hydrothermal method. The degradation efficiency of ZnIn2S4/Ti3C2 composite for tetracycline (50 mg/L) and 7-Aminocephalosporanic acid (25 mg/L) within 120 min and 90 min can reach up to 91% and 95%, respectively. The introduction of Ti3C2 modulates the 3D marigold-like architecture of ZnIn2S4, which not only boosted its photon capture performance and adsorption capacity caused by the increased specific surface area, but also effectively separated photo-generated electrons and holes via the well-defined 2D/2D interface between ZnIn2S4 and Ti3C2. The synergistic effect of physical adsorption and photocatalytic degradation contributes to the high degradation efficiency and fast degradation performance. ZnIn2S4/Ti3C2 still exhibits high photocatalytic activity and excellent physicochemical stability after many cycles.