Piezo-photocatalysis of S-scheme In2Se3@SnSe heterojunctions for highly efficient U(VI) removal and hydrogen production from organic wastewater

• Published in: Journal of environmental chemical engineering 2024-12, Vol.12 (6), p.114304, Article 114304
• Main Authors: Guo, Rongshuo, Jin, Linghua, Chen, Yinxiang, Zhang, Xinyi, Zhang, Ye
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hydrogen production; Organics degradation; Piezo-photocatalysis; S-scheme In2Se3@SnSe heterojunction; U(Ⅵ) removal
• ISSN: 2213-3437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2024.114304

Piezo-photocatalysis, through the simultaneous utilization of mechanical and solar energy, offers a promising approach for removing heavy metal ions and producing hydrogen (H2) from organic wastewater. Here, an S-scheme In2Se3@SnSe nanoflower heterojunction piezo-photocatalyst was synthesized through a two-step hydrothermal method. This catalyst was applied for the reduction of uranium (U(Ⅵ)) and the production of H2 from organic wastewater containing contaminants such as tetracycline (TC), carbamazepine (CBZ), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), norfloxacin (NOR), and bisphenol A (BPA). The piezoelectric field broadens the space charge zone at the In2Se3@SnSe heterojunction interface, improving the separation and utilization efficiency of photo-generated carriers. The optimized In2Se3@SnSe catalyst demonstrated outstanding piezo-photocatalytic performance, achieving a U(Ⅵ) removal rate of 98.9 % and a TC degradation rate of 99.3 % within 1 hour, without any sacrificial agent. Additionally, it achieved a H2 production rate of 972 μmolg−1h−1 and a TC degradation rate of 94.8 %. Organics play a crucial role in hole consumption and electron lifetime extension, thus facilitating H2 production and U(Ⅵ) reduction. This research presents a novel design approach for the development of S-scheme piezo-photocatalysts with dual oxidizing and reducing capabilities, thereby providing a valuable pathway for the treatment and reuse of complex wastewater. •S-scheme In2Se3@SnSe enables U(VI) removal and H2 production from wastewater.•The S-scheme heterostructure and piezoelectric field boost carrier separation.•Achieves 94.8 % U(Ⅵ) removal and 972 μmolg−1h−1 H2 production from wastewater.