3D flower-like sulfide-based heterostructures with high photocatalytic efficiency on dye degradation and Cr (VI) reduction

Based on the construction of type II heterojunction, the one-pot hydrothermal method was employed to synthesize Fe 2 O 3 /WS 2 composites with flower-like structures, which performed significant photocatalytic activities compared with the bare components. The systemic characterizations were employed to reveal the type II heterojunction photogenerated electron transfer mechanism and they further illustrated the path for electron–hole transfer and separation under the effect of heterojunction. Afterward, the photocatalytic properties of the catalysts were evaluated by degrading organic methylene blue and toxic Cr (VI) under simulated solar-driven irradiation. Among those, the best high-efficiency Fe 2 O 3 /WS 2 photocatalyst (2WF) displayed significant photocatalytic properties on pollution degradation in detail, with the Cr (VI) photoreduction rate of 0.35 μmol·min −1 ·g −1 cat. and the MB photooxidation rate of 0.27 μmol·min −1 ·g −1 cat. , respectively. The designed photocatalysts have integrated the three aspects of photocatalytic efficiencies, including the visible light response, prolonged photogenerated carrier lifetime, and sufficient surface active sites due to the amount of surface defects, therefore, this work provides more insights into the utilization of green energy for environmental treatment by heterostructured catalysts.