Growth rate controlled synthesis of hierarchical Bi(2)S(3)/In(2)S(3) core/shell microspheres with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Core/shell heterostructure composite has great potential applications in photocatalytic field because the introduction of core can remarkably improve charge transport and enhance the electron-hole separation. Herein, hierarchical Bi(2)S(3)/In(2)S(3) core/shell structured microspheres were prepared via a simple one-pot hydrothermal process based on different growth rate of the two kinds of sulphides. The results showed that, the as-prepared hierarchical Bi(2)S(3)/In(2)S(3) core/shell heterostructure exhibits significant visible light photocatalytic activity for degradation of 2, 4-dichlorophenol. The introduction of Bi(2)S(3) core can not only improve charge transport and enhance the electron-hole separation, but also broaden the visible light response. The hierarchical porous folwer-like shell of In(2)S(3) could increase the specific surface area and remarkably enhanced the chemical stability of Bi(2)S(3) against oxidation.