In situ interfacial engineering of MnIn2S4@In2S3 hollow nanotubes for enhanced photocatalytic production of H2O2 and antibiotic degradation

Three-dimensional hollow tube-like structures have obtained considerable attention owing to their pronounced advantages in photocatalytic reactions. Herein, metal organic framework (MOF)-derived MnIn2S4@In2S3 with hollow tube-like structure was successfully synthesized through a facial hydrothermal combined solvothermal method. Electron spin resonance technology and radical scavengers verified that holes and superoxide anions are the primary reactive species in the photocatalytic reaction. The resulting hollow tube-like MnIn2S4@In2S3(MnIS) composite exhibits superior H2O2 yield and ofloxacin photodegradation performance, which are much higher than those of pure MnIn2S4 and In2S3 samples. The experimental results along with density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the co-sharing of In and S elements in MnIn2S4 and In2S3 within the MnIS composites induces strong interface interactions. Additionally, the generation and decomposition of H2O2 provide more active sites, thereby facilitating the photodegradation of ofloxacin. Meanwhile, the formation of an Sscheme heterojunction between MnIn2S4 and In2S3 promotes swifter charge separation and transfer, leading to superior performance in terms of H2O2 evolution and ofloxacin degradation. This investigation offers a novel insight by co-constructing MOF-derived hollow nanotubes and heterojunctions for achieving highly efficient photocatalytic solar-to-fuels conversion.