Graphene quantum dots sensitized In2S3 nanohybrids for improved photocatalytic activity

A graphene quantum dots (GQDs) sensitized In2S3 heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis route. The high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) images reveal that the In2S3/GQD adopts the self-assembly three-dimensional flower-like nanostructure, in which In2S3 forms the petal-like framework and the GQDs are grown on the surface of In2S3. The GQD has very high crystallinity and the loading amount of GQDs can be controlled during the synthesis process. The In2S3/GQDs catalyst exhibits extremely high adsorption capacity, photocatalytic activity and selectivity towards methylene blue. Under the identical experimental conditions, an optimum GQDs content of 1.09 wt% in the In2S3/GQDs nanocomposite resulted in 4.9 times higher dark adsorption rate and 3.7 times higher photodegradation rate for MB than pristine In2S3, making the In2S3/GQD a potential photocatalyst in water purification.