Carbon quantum dot decorated hollow In2S3 microspheres with efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities

Abstract

Carbon quantum dot (CQDs) decorated hollow In₂S₃ microspheres were firstly synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. CQDs with an average size of 5 nm were attached on the surfaces of hollow In₂S₃ microspheres. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared samples were investigated by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under visible light, and the 3 wt% CQDs/In₂S₃ sample presented the most efficient photocatalytic activity which was almost 3 times the pure In₂S₃ sample. On the basis of the active species trapping experiment and ESR analysis, holes and superoxide radicals were proved to be the main active species in the photocatalytic degradation process, and a possible reaction mechanism was proposed.