MIL-Derived Hollow Tubulous-Shaped In2O3/ZnIn2S4 Z-Scheme Heterojunction for Efficient Antibacterial Performance via In Situ Composite

Abstract

In this study, a hollow tubulous-shaped In2O3 derived from MIL (MIL-68 (In)) exhibited an enhanced specific surface area compared to MIL. To further sensitize In2O3, ZnIn2S4 was grown in situ on the derived In2O3. The 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 composite (1 mmol ZnIn2S4 loaded on 40 mg In2O3) exhibited degradation rates of methyl orange (MO) under visible light (80 mW·cm−2, 150 min) that were 17.9 and 1.4 times higher than those of the pure In2O3 and ZnIn2S4, respectively. Moreover, the 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 exhibited an obviously improved antibacterial performance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with an antibacterial rate of 99.8% after visible light irradiation of 80 mW cm−2 for 420 min. The 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 composite showed the highest photocurrent density, indicating an enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Electron spin resonance results indicated that the 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 composite generated both ·O2− and ·OH radicals under visible light, whereas ·OH radicals were almost not detected in ZnIn2S4 alone, suggesting the presence of a Z-scheme heterojunction between In2O3 and ZnIn2S4, thereby enhancing the degradation and antibacterial capabilities of the composite. This offers fresh perspectives on designing effective photocatalytic materials for use in antibacterial and antifouling applications.